The European film of the year this Saturday night was an unusual combination of musical and crime called Emilia Pérez by the French director Jacques Audiard. Among the nominees was also the feature-length animated film Život k zžrání by the Czech filmmaker Kristina Dufková, but instead the members of the European Film Academy preferred The Cat’s Odyssey by the Latvian author Gints Zilbalodis.
Emilia Pérez’s winning musical comedy tells the story of a drug cartel boss who wants to end his bloody business and become what he wanted to be all his life – a woman. From the European Film Awards, which took place in Lucerne, Switzerland, the title also takes home statuettes for direction, screenplay and editing. Additionally, Karla Sofía Gascón won the award for Best Actress for her performance in this film.
The European Award for Best Actor went to abou Sangare for his role in Suleiman’s Story. The award for lifetime contribution to European cinematography went to Wim Wenders, and the award for European contribution to world cinema went to Isabella Rossellini. The statue for the documentary was awarded to the creators of the Palestinian-israeli documentary No Other Countries, which was shown at this year’s Karlovy Vary festival.
Almost five thousand members of the European Academy,including actors,directors,critics,journalists,make-up artists and screenwriters,could vote for the winners. The Academy is chaired by actress Juliette Binoche. Last year, the courtroom drama Anatomy of a Fall was a success.
Video: Trailer from the movie Emilia Pérez
The film Emilia Pérez will be shown in Czech cinemas on February 13,2025. | Video: Aerofilms
What factors contributed to the success of Jacques Audiard’s film Emilia Pérez at the 2023 European Film Awards?
Interview with Film Expert Dr. Sophie Mendez on the 2023 European Film Awards
In this exclusive interview, we delve into the significance of the recent European Film Awards and explore the implications for the film industry with acclaimed film expert Dr. Sophie Mendez.
Q: Dr. Mendez, the big winner this year was Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez.What makes this film stand out in the crowded landscape of European cinema?
A: Emilia Pérez is a remarkable blend of genres—musical and crime—which is quite unconventional for a film of this stature. The central narrative, revolving around a drug cartel boss’s desire to transition into a woman, challenges traditional gender roles and offers a fresh viewpoint on identity and change.This unique storytelling is a meaningful reason why it resonated with the European Film Academy, leading to multiple awards including best Director and Best Screenplay.
Q: The film also secured the Best Actress award for Karla Sofía Gascón. What does this win signify for diversity and depiction in European cinema?
A: Gascón’s win is crucial as it highlights the increasing recognition of diverse voices in filmmaking. Her role not only showcases talent but also emphasizes the importance of representing underrepresented narratives in mainstream cinema. The success of Emilia Pérez can encourage more filmmakers to explore unconventional stories, thus enriching the European cinematic landscape.
Q: The european Film Awards also acknowledged other significant works, like the animated film the Cat’s Odyssey. What does this say about the state of animated films in Europe?
A: The recognition of The Cat’s Odyssey underscores the growing respect and love for animated films within Europe. In recent years, we’ve seen a shift where animated features are not just seen as children’s entertainment but are acknowledged as serious art forms that can convey profound messages and explore complex themes. This trend opens doors for creative storytelling across various demographics.
Q: Your insights indicate a thriving film industry. How can up-and-coming filmmakers make their mark in this competitive landscape?
A: The key for new filmmakers is to embrace originality. The industry craves unique narratives that push boundaries. Additionally, networking within communities—such as the European Film Academy—can provide invaluable support and visibility. Participating in festivals, collaborating with diverse teams, and being open to feedback are practical steps that can substantially bolster a filmmaker’s career.
Q: The awards ceremony also honored legendary figures like Wim Wenders and Isabella Rossellini. What impact do such tributes have on emerging filmmakers?
A: Recognizing established filmmakers serves as both inspiration and a reminder of the rich legacy within European cinema. It encourages emerging talents to learn from these veterans while also motivating them to contribute uniquely to the field. The ongoing dialog between generations is vital for the evolution of the industry.
Q: what are your predictions for the future of European cinema following this year’s celebrations?
A: I anticipate a surge in innovative storytelling, notably as filmmakers address contemporary social issues and personal narratives in inventive ways, much like Audiard’s approach in emilia Pérez. The increasing emphasis on inclusion and diverse storytelling will likely continue to shape the future of European cinema, making it more vibrant and reflective of a wider array of experiences.
the 2023 European Film Awards not only celebrated remarkable talent but also highlighted the dynamic evolution of cinema in Europe.As Dr. Mendez points out, an exciting future awaits emerging filmmakers willing to push the boundaries of creative storytelling.