The European Film Academy has announced the appointment of Chapter Principals across its eight member chapters, marking a “significant milestone in the Academy’s ongoing commitment to championing the arts and crafts of European filmmaking”.
Following the introduction of chapters in 2025 – dedicated to casting directors, cinematographers, composers, costume designers, editors, make-up & hair artists, production designers, and sound designers – the Academy welcomes “distinguished figures from across Europe” to serve as the first Principals of each chapter.
Hoyte van Hoytema ASC FSF NSC has been named Cinematographers Chapter Principal, with the Academy praising the Oscar-winning DP for helping to “define some of the most visually commanding films of the 21st century”.
Appointed by the Board of the European Film Academy, the Chapter Principals will act as ambassadors and figureheads for their respective disciplines.
They will help strengthen connections among members, increase the visibility of their craft, and support the continued growth and cohesion of the European film community.
The role of Chapter Principal is honorary and voluntary, recognising “outstanding artistic achievement and international standing within the international film industry”.
Bottom row: Yorgos Mavropsaridis, Waldemar Pokromski, Antxón Gómez Santanderz, Tarn Willers (Credit: Courtesy of the European Film Academy)
Unveiling van Hoytema as Cinematographers Chapter Principal, the European Film Academy said: “Hoyte van Hoytema ASC FSF NSC is an Academy Award-winning cinematographer whose work has helped define some of the most visually commanding films of the 21st century.
“His filmography includes Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Her, Spectre, Ad Astra, Nope, and his acclaimed collaborations with Christopher Nolan on Interstellar, Dunkirk, Tenet, and Oppenheimer.
“For his work on Oppenheimer, he received the Academy Award, BAFTA Award, and ASC Award for Best Cinematography.
“Known for his masterful use of film, large-format photography, and immersive visual language, his work continues to expand the possibilities of cinema while remaining rooted in story, character, and emotion.”
Matthijs Wouter Knol, CEO and Academy director, added: “The appointment of these first Chapter Principals is a natural and important next step following the introduction of member chapters last year.
“Each of them represents excellence in their field of work, and the list of films they have contributed all stand for the immense richness of European cinema.
“The European Film Academy wishes to give greater visibility and recognition to the many disciplines that shape European films every year.
“With the support of the Chapter Principals, we aim to strengthen our members’ sense of community and create new opportunities for dialogue and collaboration across Europe.”
The introduction of Chapter Principals builds on the Academy’s broader efforts to place its members at the centre of its activities.
In 2025, the European Film Academy transitioned to a chapter-led nomination process for the European Film Awards, directly involving members in the selection of nominees for their respective categories.
This strategic shift has “deepened the Academy’s commitment to peer-to-peer recognition across all cinematic disciplines”.
The full list of Chapter Principals is available on the European Film Academy website.
