This younger cousin of Hollywoods near hundred-year-old Academy Awards is overseen by the Berlin-basedEuropean Film Academy.
Awards for the craft categories were decided by an expert jury and announced ahead of tonights ceremony.
Its just one aspect of the work the Academy does throughout the whole year.
European Film Academy CEO and Director Matthijs Wouter KnolGetty Images
Whats the thinking behind this?
But I think we should use the event more cleverly.
There are a lot of dots in Europe.
We should be cleverer about connecting those dots.
We need to up our game a bit.
In five years, in 2028, it will be the 40th anniversary of the European Film Awards.
WOUTER KNOL:As they say in German, Theres still a lot of air to fill.
But I do feel that within Europe there is so much that could be done.
WOUTER KNOL:We spoke with talent agents all over Europe before taking the decision.
Our timing will also be tied with the Oscars.
What can you do to ensure that filmmakers from smaller territories are part of the conversation?
So, these smaller countries do feel theyre nominated, trust me and theyre all here.
Do you think the new date will change this?
At the moment, it can be difficult.
Bayonas Society Of Snow.
WOUTER KNOL: Actually,Society Of Snowfeatures in the craft excellence awards with a couple of winners.
It was added to the Academy Selection but really at the last minute.
People were like this is really a great film and it should be included.
They didnt want to take the risk.
They might have considered such as move if the awards had been in January.
They said, Well, its such a European film.
Its pretty brave of them.
They put the film out to all the European Film Academy members and did cinema screenings all over Europe.
