European Film Awards 2026

While the European Film Awards may not attract the same level of mainstream attention as the BAFTAs or the Oscars, they stand proudly alongside them as one of the most significant celebrations of cinematic excellence. Held biennially in Berlin, the awards marked their 38th edition this month – an event creatively led by Robert Lehniger, Head of School at MetFilm School Berlin. 

In his role as Artistic Director, Robert was tasked with ensuring that European cinema itself sat at the heart of the ceremony’s creative vision. To support this, filmmaker and critic Mark Cousins was invited to lead the evening. 

Reflecting on the approach, Robert explained: “Rather than foregrounding glamour and comedy, the ceremony asked a simple, essential question: why do we love cinema? Allowing filmmakers to celebrate the art of filmmaking itself, the evening unfolded intuitively – shaped by a dialogue between sound, image, and space, and by the diverse voices of the European film community on stage.”

Among the audience of around 1,000 guests was MetFilm School Director Jonny Persey, who praised Robert’s work: “I was so proud to accompany Robert during the afterparty, and to see and hear the remarkable appreciation and incredible accolades he received for taking the ceremony up a level, for creating an innovative celebration of cinema, the diversity of European approaches to it. He made four hours fly by in the blink of an eye. Robert’s groundbreaking approach was a joy to behold.”

For Robert, one of the most rewarding aspects was seeing MetFilm School students actively involved. “I was especially delighted to see our students involved, given the opportunity to participate, build valuable connections, and deepen our school’s relationship with the industry while celebrating alongside the European film community,” he said.

The ceremony welcomed an impressive guest list featuring some of the most influential figures in European filmmaking, including Juliette Binoche, Mads Mikkelsen, Liv Ullmann, Vicky Krieps, Wim Wenders, Agnieszka Holland, Paolo Sorrentino, Joachim Trier and Maria Schrader, alongside Academy members and international industry guests.

Eleven MetFilm School Berlin students and alumni from a range of Filmmaking courses supported the event in various roles. They also attended the afterparty, where conversations continued in a more relaxed environment, and connections were made with professionals from across the European film landscape.

For many of the students involved, the awards offered a rare chance to engage directly with producers, directors, festival programmers and sales representatives who had travelled to Berlin specifically for the event.

Student Ludovica Sacchi, who both worked at the ceremony and attended the afterparty, shared her experience: “Volunteering at The European Film Awards was a true delight. I know we will all remember this night for the rest of our lives. After being a little over a year into my studies, I can truly say I am so glad to be a part of BIMM.”

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