Sun Dec 08 03:20:00 UTC 2024: **Trans Actress Makes History at European Film Awards**
Lucerne, Switzerland – *Emilia Pérez*, a Spanish-language transgender musical, dominated the 37th European Film Awards, sweeping major categories including Best Film, Best Director (Jacques Audiard), and Best Screenplay (also Audiard). The film’s star, Karla Sofía Gascón, achieved a historic win, becoming the first transgender actress to receive the Best Actress award. Gascón, visibly moved, dedicated her award to her mother and all mothers, emphasizing the importance of family acceptance of LGBTQ+ children.
Audiard, in accepting his awards, praised Europe’s generous support of filmmaking and urged other countries to follow suit. The ceremony also saw Abou Sangare win Best Actor for his role in *Souleymane’s Story*, beating out notable contenders like Ralph Fiennes and Daniel Craig.
Several winners used their acceptance speeches to address political issues. The documentary *No Other Land*, which chronicles the Israeli government’s displacement of Palestinians, used its Best Documentary win to call for a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to weapons supply to Israel. Palestinian actress Hiam Abbass also brought attention to the plight of children in Gaza during her presentation.
Other notable wins included *Flow* for Best Animated Feature, *The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent* for Best Short Film, and *Armand* receiving the European Discovery prize. Iconic German director Wim Wenders received a lifetime achievement award, delivering a speech that touched upon the current state of Europe and the role of cinema. Isabella Rossellini received the European Achievement in World Cinema award. The awards also celebrated various technical achievements, with *Emilia Pérez*, *The Substance*, and *The Girl With the Needle* winning multiple craft awards.
First Piper 