The European Film Awards has announced its 2026 Academy Shortlist, with 67 feature-length films put forward for a possible nomination, voted for by the members of the European Film Academy.
The shortlist includes 44 feature films, 15 documentary films and eight animated feature films, with 27 shortlisted productions directed or co-directed by women.
With 34 European – both EU and non-EU – countries represented, the list of selected films reflects the “excellency of European filmmaking demonstrating the variety, diversity and creativity throughout Europe”, a press release said.
The shortlisted feature and documentary films have been chosen by members of the European Film Academy Board and invited European experts, with the shortlisted animated feature films picked by a selection committee composed of members of the Academy Board and invited experts in co-operation with CARTOON, the European Association of Animation Film.
Among the films put forward are Bugonia and Sentimental Value, both of which recently had their UK premieres at BFI London Film Festival. The full shortlist is available on the European Film Awards website.
The announcement of the Academy Shortlist is the first step in the awarding procedure. In the coming weeks, the 5,400 members of the European Film Academy will watch the shortlisted films, except for the categories European Young Audience Award, LUX Audience Award and the Honorary Awards, and vote for the nominations.
Nominations for major categories including European Film, European Director and European Screenwriter will be announced on 18 November at the Real Alcázar of Sevilla, following the 22nd Seville European Film Festival.
On 26 November, the nominations for European Cinematographer will be announced, alongside the likes of European Composer (Original Score) and European Costume Designer.
And before then, on 31 October, the nominations for European Short Film – Prix Vimeo, chosen by the European Film Academy Short Film Network, will be announced at the 70th SEMINCI – Valladolid International Film Festival.
The European Film Awards ceremony will be presented by the European Film Academy and European Film Academy Production gGmbH in Berlin on 17 January 2026.
