The Spanish film ‘Robot Dreams‘, of Pablo Bergerco-produced with France, was honored this Saturday in Berlin with the prize for best animated film from the European Film Academy (EFA).
The award-winning film tells the story of Dog, a lonely dog who lives in Manhattan in the 80s and who one day decides to build himself a robot, a friend. They become inseparable until an accident forces Dog to abandon Robot on a beach.
In a speech that was as short as it was vindictive, Berger tried to get the message across to the audience that “Animation is not a genre“but cinema, as Guillermo del Toro proclaimed at the last Oscar gala.
“I’m not going to stop until the industry treats us as equals,” he said, and dedicated the award to “the creative and vibrant Spanish animated film industry.” He recalled that this is his fourth film, but his first animated one, and assured that it will not be the last, while encouraging all creators to explore the “endless” opportunities of this cinema.
With this award. ‘Robot Dreams’ is in an unbeatable position in the race to be on the shortlist of Oscar candidates.
Isabel Coixet receives the award for European Achievement in World Cinema for her impressive contribution to filmmaking. 🏆 #europeanfilmawards #monthofeuropeanfilm pic.twitter.com/bO4Ym6yHk6
— European Film Academy (@EuroFilmAcademy) December 9, 2023
Coixet, honored
Saturday’s was a gala with a lot of Spanish and Catalan presence, both among the winners and among the honorees and presenters.
A very pregnant Laia Costa acted as mistress of ceremonies at the tribute to an excited Isabel Coixet who came to pick up the European Achievement Award in World Cinema“for his impressive contribution to the world of cinema”, a distinction he used to encourage filmmakers who are told they are not good enough to believe in their projects.
“When something comes from a very strong place in your heart, there is someone who will like it and connect with what you do,” Coixet told them.
The Catalan director explained that very early in her career she realized that “behind the camera there are no borders, passports, flags or limits“. “I would like the world to be like this,” he emphasized.
When announcing the award, the Academy highlighted that Coixet, “throughout his career, in his films, in his writings and in his political commitment, has always defended his beliefs and values, and has given a voice to his protagonists.”
ANATOMY OF A FALL by Justine Triet is European Film 2023. 🏔️ Congratulations to the whole team! 🎬 🎉✨ #europeanfilmawards #monthofeuropeanfilm pic.twitter.com/Jn7ADd7Wpw
— European Film Academy (@EuroFilmAcademy) December 9, 2023
‘Anatomy of a fall‘, great winner
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As for special distinctions, the Catalan director’s team Juan Antonio Bayona received two Awards of Excellence in the categories of visual effects and makeup and hairstyling for ‘The Snow Society‘, a film chosen by Spain with the aim of being in the shortlist of candidates for ‘Best Foreign Language Film’ at the next Oscars.
The big winner of the night was the French film ‘Anatomy of a fall‘, directed by Justine Trietwhich took home the awards for best film, screenplay, editing, director and best actress for its protagonist Sandra Huller. The award for best actor went to Dane Mads Mikkelsen for his role in ‘The Promise Land‘.