European Film Awards Relocating to Athens, Birthplace of Filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos, for 2027 Ceremony

The 2027 European Film Awards will be held in Athens, the home city of renowned director Yorgos Lanthimos, marking the first time the prestigious event will take place in southeastern Europe. The European Film Academy and the Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Centre made the announcement, with the gala set to be hosted at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) in Athens on January 16, 2027.

Greek Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni expressed her excitement about Athens hosting the 39th European Film Awards, emphasizing the significance of the event for European cinema. The selection of Athens aims to shine a spotlight on Greece’s burgeoning film industry, known for its competitive cash rebate scheme offering up to a 40 percent rebate for qualifying productions.

Notable films like Angelina Jolie’s “Maria,” Ruben Östlund’s “Triangle of Sadness,” and David Cronenberg’s “Crimes of the Future” have been shot in Greece, showcasing the country’s appeal as a filming location. The announcement of Athens as the venue for the EFAs reflects the city’s cultural heritage and Greece’s growing influence in the European film industry.

Director Yorgos Lanthimos, a five-time Oscar nominee and prominent member of the European Film Academy, has been instrumental in putting Greek cinema on the map. His collaboration with fellow Athenian Yorgos Mavropsaridis and screenwriter Efthimis Filippou has garnered critical acclaim and multiple EFA nominations and wins.

Greece has a rich history of cinematic talent, with legendary directors like Theo Angelopoulos and acclaimed producers like Konstantinos Kontovrakis and Giorgos Karnavas receiving recognition at the European Film Awards. The shift of the gala from December to mid-January starting next year is aimed at aligning the EFAs with the award season calendar, with the 2026 event set to take place in Berlin.

The move of the European Film Awards to Athens in 2027 signifies a historic moment for both the city and the European film industry, highlighting Greece’s role as an emerging hub for cinematic excellence. Stay tuned for more updates on the upcoming 39th EFA ceremony and the celebration of Greek and European cinema leading up to the event.



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