Athens Readies for 39th European Film Awards in 2027
Athens, Greece – April 12, 2026 – The vibrant city of Athens is meticulously preparing to host the 39th European Film Awards, scheduled to take place on January 16, 2027, at the esteemed Greek National Opera within the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center. This landmark event signifies the first time a country in Southeastern Europe will have the honor of hosting the largest and most influential film awards ceremony of its kind.
The anticipation for this grand cinematic celebration is building, with a comprehensive program of year-round film events, workshops, and screenings already in full swing across Greece and at major international festivals. These initiatives are designed to generate momentum and showcase the rich tapestry of European cinema leading up to the main ceremony.
High-Level Preparations and Collaborations
In a significant step towards the event, Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni recently held a meeting with Academy Award-winning actress and European Film Academy President Juliette Binoche. The encounter took place last month during the 28th Thessaloniki International Film Festival, where they were hosted by Akis Sakellariou, president of the Thessaloniki Film Festival board.
Minister Mendoni underscored Greece’s dedicated efforts to bolster its domestic film and television production capabilities, alongside its strategic initiatives to attract international film projects. This commitment reflects a broader vision to position Greece as a prominent hub for cinematic arts.
The coordination of the 39th European Film Awards is being meticulously managed by the Hellenic Film & Audiovisual Center (EKKOMED), in close partnership with various cultural organizations. The awards ceremony itself will be broadcast live across Europe by the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT), ensuring widespread viewership and celebration of European cinematic achievements.
“The events all over Greece are being realized in close collaboration with the European Film Academy, reflecting a shared commitment to celebrating European cinema,” stated Leonidas Christopoulos, CEO of EKKOMED, highlighting the collaborative spirit driving the preparations.
Showcasing European Cinema’s Diversity
Efforts to exhibit the richness and diversity of European cinema commenced with a dedicated Documentary Think Tank held at last month’s Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival. These actions are set to continue at other prominent Greek festivals, including those in Thessaloniki, Drama, Syros, and Olympia, as well as at various festivals abroad, ensuring a broad platform for European filmmaking talent.
Matthijs Wouter Knol, CEO and Director of the European Film Academy, emphasized the historical and cultural significance of the chosen location. “Athens and Greece have long been a source of inspiration for European culture and storytelling. Bringing the European Film Awards to Southeastern Europe for the first time feels both meaningful and overdue,” he remarked, acknowledging Greece’s profound contributions to European heritage.
The decision to bring the European Film Awards to Athens is expected to significantly boost Greece’s profile on the international cultural stage, attracting filmmakers, artists, and cinema enthusiasts from across the globe. This event promises to be a celebration of artistic excellence and a testament to the enduring power of European storytelling.
The Greek government and cultural institutions are committed to ensuring a memorable and impactful event that will leave a lasting legacy for the European film industry and further cement Athens’ reputation as a cultural capital.
