European Film Award goes to 'Sentimental Value' - European Film Awards Honor Art and Activism Amid Iran’s Protests
The 2023 European Film Awards celebrated cinema’s finest while shining a light on global struggles. Iranian director Jafar Panahi opened the ceremony with a powerful speech about his country’s ongoing protests. The event also saw strong wins for films like Sentimental Value and Sirat, with several filmmakers using the red carpet to express solidarity with Iranians facing repression.
The ceremony took place in Berlin, one of the awards’ rotating host cities. Jafar Panahi, unable to attend in person, delivered a recorded opening address. He condemned Iran’s violent crackdown on protesters and urged international support for those fighting for freedom.
Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value dominated the night, securing six awards. The film won Best Picture, while Trier himself took home Best Director. Stellan Skarsgård and Renate Reinsve also earned acting honours for their roles in the drama. Oliver Laxe’s Sirat followed closely with five wins. Meanwhile, Fiume o Morte! claimed Best Documentary, and Germany’s Oscar entry, Looking Into the Sun, won for Best Costume Design. Veteran actress Liv Ullmann received a Lifetime Achievement award, recognising her decades-long contribution to cinema. On the red carpet, many attendees wore badges and spoke out in support of Iran’s protesters. Their gestures echoed Panahi’s call for global attention to the crisis.
The European Film Awards highlighted both artistic excellence and political urgency. Panahi’s speech and the show of solidarity from filmmakers kept the focus on Iran’s struggles. With Sentimental Value and Sirat leading the wins, the ceremony also reinforced Europe’s vibrant filmmaking scene. The event’s mix of celebration and activism left a lasting impression.
