The Swedish satire "The Square" by Ruben Östlund is, according to the European Film Academy, the best European film of the year. "The Square" had already been awarded the Golden Palm at the Cannes Festival this year. The black comedy is also in the race for the foreign Oscar here.
There were six trophies at the European Film Awards, including screenwriting, directing, production design and best comedy. Best actor was Östlund's lead actor Claes Bang. Alexandra Borbély was honored for her role in the Hungarian Berlinale winner "Body and Soul" as best actress. The nominated in this category German actress Paula Beer ("Frantz") went blank.
Maria Schrader won the Audience Award for the Stefan Zweig film "Before the Dawn". The French-American actress Julie Delpy was honored for her "European Contribution to World Cinema". Director Volker Schlöndorff, who filmed "Homo Faber" with Delpy, presented her with the award. Delpy made films like "2 Days Paris" and "Before Midnight".
By video message congratulated her American actor Ethan Hawke ("Before Midnight"). "The longer I think about it: you deserve that price!" He said.
The honorary prize for his life's work was given to the very emotional Russian director Alexander Sokurov ("Russian Ark - A Unique Journey through the Hermitage", "Father and Son"). He accepted the award from the hands of the Polish director-old Agnieszka Holland. Again, the film academy for the imprisoned Ukrainian director Oleh Senzow strong - this time with the support of the Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, who sat in the audience.
Best Animated Film was "Loving Vincent" by Dorota Kobiela and Hugh Welchman (Poland / United Kingdom). The winner of the Best Documentary Award was "Communion" by Anna Zamecka (Poland).
Numerous actors, directors and other filmmakers came to the gala in the Haus der Berliner Festspiele. Among them were Juliette Binoche, Detlev Buck, Sandra Hüller, Nastassja Kinski, Josef Hader, Peter Simonischek, Wim Wenders, Stephen Frears, Carlos Saura and Ulrich Matthes. The comedian Thomas Hermanns led through the show. Last year, Maren Ades drama "Toni Erdmann" won the main prize.
The European Film Award is considered Europe's answer to the Oscars. The more than 3000 members of the European Film Academy vote on the winners in the individual categories. The prize is awarded alternately in Berlin and another city in Europe - 2018 in Seville.