European Film Awards to be Hosted in Athens, Greece in January 2027
The European Film Awards will travel to Athens, Greece, for the first time, with the 39th ceremony scheduled for January 16, 2027. This landmark event, organized by the European Film Academy and the Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Centre (HFAC) – Creative Greece, marks a significant milestone as it ventures into Southeastern Europe.
The prestigious awards will be hosted at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC), a world-class venue designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano. The SNFCC is not only home to the Greek National Opera and National Library of Greece but also features the Stavros Niarchos Park, the largest public Mediterranean garden globally. The Mayor’s Night reception at the historic Zappeion Megaron will precede the main event.
Promoting Greek and European Cinema
In anticipation of the awards, HFAC-Creative Greece is organizing a year-long promotional campaign to spotlight Greek and European cinema. This program, with details to be announced in early 2026, will include various events and collaborations with major Greek film festivals, such as the Thessaloniki Documentary Film Festival and the Thessaloniki International Film Festival.
Greek Minister of Culture Dr. Lina Mendoni emphasized the significance of hosting the awards, stating, “Athens welcomes one of the most iconic events in European cinema... This initiative highlights the high-quality work of Greek creators and demonstrates the growing dynamism of the Greek audiovisual sector.”
Recognition for Athens and Greek Cinema
The decision to host the European Film Awards in Athens underscores Greece’s rising prominence in the European film and audiovisual industry. Athens Mayor Haris Doukas noted, “Athens is a vibrant and hospitable city that shares its rich cultural heritage with visitors... We look forward to seeing you all at this grand celebration.”
The event also recognizes Greece’s strong contributions to European cinema. Legendary Greek filmmaker Theo Angelopoulos won three European Film Awards for “Landscape in the Mist” (1989), “Ulysses’ Gaze” (1995), and “The Weeping Meadow” (2004). More recently, Yorgos Lanthimos and Efthimis Filippou earned accolades for “The Lobster” (2015) and “The Favourite” (2019).
A Celebration of European Cinema
Matthijs Wouter Knol, CEO of the European Film Academy, expressed his enthusiasm: “Greece, with its rich cultural heritage and profound cinematic history, provides the perfect backdrop for celebrating the achievements of European cinema.”
Approximately 1,300 international guests, including Academy members, filmmakers, and media representatives, are expected to attend. ERT, the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation, in collaboration with the European Broadcasting Union, will broadcast the event live across Europe.
The 39th European Film Awards in Athens promises to honor excellence in European filmmaking while celebrating the country’s contributions to art and culture.