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The European Film Academy has taken Guillermo del Toro’s rousing “Animation is cinema” speech at the 2023 Oscars to heart, announcing that its European Film Award for Best European Film of the year is no longer a live-action only contest. Feature-length animated films and documentaries will be considered for the prize after the 37th EFAs are held in Lucerne on December 7.
“The aim of this change is to better reflect the fact that documentaries and animated feature films are an essential part of European cinema culture, adding much to its great diversity,” the Academy stated. “Both documentary and animated films come in a plethora of genres, storytelling traditions and narrative forms, for any audience.”
Academy CEO Matthijs Wouter Knol additionally noted that the new policy “reflects a long wish from members to a fairer and more equal chance for all feature-length films to compete for this recognition” and “a changing perception in our industry of the value of all films made.”
Feature-length animated films and documentaries will continue to be recognized in their dedicated categories as well as qualifying for overall best film.
You can see the contending feature and short films for the 2024 EFAs (so far) at europeanfilmacademy.org. The nominations announcement is expected later this month.
[Source: The Hollywood Reporter]
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