Berlin, Germany — Joachim Trier’s film “Sentimental Value” made a remarkable mark at the 38th European Film Awards held Saturday night, taking home several top honors, including Best Film and Best Director. The film’s screenplay, co-written by Trier and Eskil Vogt, also garnered the Best Screenwriter award, affirming its critical acclaim on an international stage.

In addition to its accolades for filmmaking and direction, “Sentimental Value” earned prominent acting honors for Stellan Skarsgård and Renate Reinsve, who were awarded Best European Actor and Best European Actress, respectively. The film also claimed the award for Best Score, further highlighting its artistic achievements.

The Cannes Grand Prix winner entered the awards ceremony as a frontrunner, with stiff competition from notable films such as Oliver Laxe’s Moroccan drama “Sirāt,” Mascha Schilinski’s debut feature “Sound of Falling,” and Jafar Panahi’s “It Was Just An Accident.” Despite the fierce competition, “Sentimental Value” emerged as the clear victor, showcasing the film’s universal resonance.

Laxe’s “Sirāt” excelled in technical categories, winning accolades for Best European Production Designer, Best European Cinematographer, and several others, demonstrating its strong craftsmanship. Meanwhile, Ugo Bienvenu’s “Arco” was honored as Best European Animated Feature Film, continuing its success after winning Best Film at the Annecy International Film Festival.

Opening the ceremony, Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi delivered a heartfelt message, imploring the global community to act against the ongoing violence in Iran. His remarks came during a time of severe unrest in the country, in which reports indicate thousands have died amid the government’s crackdown on protests. Panahi emphasized the critical nature of artistic voices in confronting oppression, asserting that “silence in a time of crime is not neutrality; silence is participation in darkness.”

In addition to the competitive awards, the event recognized Liv Ullmann, a celebrated Norwegian actress, with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Ullmann spoke passionately about the ability of cinema to capture human realities, voicing her concerns about political matters currently impacting the United States and beyond.

The evening also saw the trio behind Germany’s Komplizen Film, including Maren Ade, Jonas Dornbach, and Janine Jackowski, receive the Eurimages International Co-Production Award, acknowledging their contributions to collaborative filmmaking. They praised “Sentimental Value” for adding to a rich lineage of co-productions that have included various celebrated international films.

This year’s European Film Awards celebrated a diverse array of talents, reflecting the commitment to artistry and cultural narratives that resonate across borders. As filmmakers gather to share stories that challenge norms and highlight pressing social issues, the importance of these awards continues to grow, marking a pivotal moment for European cinema.