Europe is finally giving Hollywood a run for its money at the box office, and it's all thanks to one major tweak: European films are starting to focus on making movies just for adults, rather than franchises that cater solely to kids.
The European Film Awards (EFAs) have long been seen as the "Europian answer" to the Oscars, but this year they're feeling emboldened about their influence. For the first time ever, they've moved their ceremony from December to the middle of January, right between the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards.
And it's working. With movies like Norwegian director Joachim Trier's "Sentimental Value" – a family drama that already won the Grand Prix at Cannes and a best supporting actor Golden Globe for Stellan Skarsgård – taking center stage, European films are finally getting the recognition they deserve.
The meta-tale of familial estrangement and artistic competition is seen as a major contender at the Oscars in March, but with Hollywood's blockbuster dominance starting to wane, it looks like Europe's time has finally come.
As one producer noted, "European cinema has gone on the front foot and repositioned itself to take on Hollywood – by moving its dates this year to the middle of January." It's a bold move, but it seems to be paying off. With strong showings for select homegrown productions at the box office in 2025, European distributors are finally starting to feel like they're holding their own.
The trend is clear: Europe is no longer just a sideshow on the cinematic stage; it's a major player. And with movies like "Sentimental Value" and Spanish director Óliver Laxe's thriller "Sirāt" vying for top honors, it looks like this could be the year that European films finally get the recognition they deserve.
The EFAs are part of a larger effort to reposition themselves as more than just a minor awards ceremony. With a new curator and a revamped marketing campaign, they're trying to make Europe's cultural calendar the place to be for cinema fans. And it seems like they might just succeed.
The European Film Awards (EFAs) have long been seen as the "Europian answer" to the Oscars, but this year they're feeling emboldened about their influence. For the first time ever, they've moved their ceremony from December to the middle of January, right between the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards.
And it's working. With movies like Norwegian director Joachim Trier's "Sentimental Value" – a family drama that already won the Grand Prix at Cannes and a best supporting actor Golden Globe for Stellan Skarsgård – taking center stage, European films are finally getting the recognition they deserve.
The meta-tale of familial estrangement and artistic competition is seen as a major contender at the Oscars in March, but with Hollywood's blockbuster dominance starting to wane, it looks like Europe's time has finally come.
As one producer noted, "European cinema has gone on the front foot and repositioned itself to take on Hollywood – by moving its dates this year to the middle of January." It's a bold move, but it seems to be paying off. With strong showings for select homegrown productions at the box office in 2025, European distributors are finally starting to feel like they're holding their own.
The trend is clear: Europe is no longer just a sideshow on the cinematic stage; it's a major player. And with movies like "Sentimental Value" and Spanish director Óliver Laxe's thriller "Sirāt" vying for top honors, it looks like this could be the year that European films finally get the recognition they deserve.
The EFAs are part of a larger effort to reposition themselves as more than just a minor awards ceremony. With a new curator and a revamped marketing campaign, they're trying to make Europe's cultural calendar the place to be for cinema fans. And it seems like they might just succeed.
. It's about time we saw more mature storytelling on our screens. I mean, don't get me wrong, kids' franchises are fun and all, but there's so much depth to explore when you're making movies for adults. "Sentimental Value" is such a great example of that – it's like a big ol' family drama with some real emotional heft 
. I'm excited to see more films that tackle complex themes like artistic competition and familial estrangement 
. It's about time we saw Europe give Hollywood a run for its money at the box office! 
It's about time Hollywood stepped aside and let Europe take center stage... all these years we've been overhyped by our own Tinseltown productions. I mean, have you seen some of these European films lately? Genius storytelling, incredible acting, and stunning visuals. "Sentimental Value" is my fave so far - it's like they're speaking straight to me. The Oscars better watch out because Europe is COMING FOR THEM 
! European films are finally getting the recognition they deserve and I love that they're focusing on making movies for adults now! It's about time, if you ask me 
. I mean, who needs kids' franchises when you've got amazing stories like "Sentimental Value"? The fact that they moved their ceremony to January is a bold move, but it looks like it's paying off big time 
. I'm so stoked to see Europe on the cinematic stage and I think this trend is going to keep going strong in 2025 
. Bring it on, cinema world!
. The trend is clear: European cinema is where it's at now 
!
I'm not saying Europe needs to step on anyone's toes, but it's nice to see them trying new things! 
. I mean, who doesn't love a good drama or thriller every now and then? The EFAs moving their ceremony to the middle of January was a bold move, but it's definitely paying off 
. It's about time European films got some recognition 
. The fact that they're vying for top honors at the Oscars is just icing on the cake 
.
. I'm so down for more of that kind of storytelling. And I think the EFAs are onto something by moving their ceremony to January. It's like they're saying, "Hey, we're here and we're not messing around!" 
One thing's for sure: I'll be keeping an eye on it. Bring on the more mature, complex storytelling!
their movies like "sentimental value" & "sirāt" r makin waves @ the efas & maybe even @ the oscars! 
stellan skarsgård's performance is insane! and the fact that europe is moving its dates to january to compete with hollywood is like, super bold but totally needed... we've been waiting for ages to see european cinema take center stage. let's keep supporting these amazing filmmakers and their stories 
! It's all about competition now, and I'm here for it 
It's about time, don't you think? 
and I'm loving the way European films are pushing boundaries with complex, adult themes. 
The EFAs are totally on point with their new dates and marketing strategy. 
They're making it cool to be cultured again 
and I'm here for it! 
Let's give credit where it's due - the EFAs are definitely making some bold moves this year 