Six films supported by European Union funding have received a combined 15 nominations at the Academy Awards, highlighting the global reach of European cinema and the impact of public investment in the film industry. The recognition was detailed in the European Commission’s digital policy website in an article titled “Six EU-funded films nominated for 15 awards at the Oscars,” published by the Digital Strategy platform.
According to the European Commission, the nominated productions benefited from backing through the Creative Europe MEDIA programme, which supports the development, distribution and promotion of European audiovisual works. The nominations span multiple major categories, reflecting the diversity and international appeal of films emerging from Europe’s co‑production ecosystem.
Among the recognised titles are The Zone of Interest, Io Capitano, Perfect Days, Robot Dreams and The Teachers’ Lounge, alongside another EU-supported production, each of which has drawn critical acclaim on the international festival circuit as well as from Academy voters. The nominations include appearances in categories such as Best Picture, Best International Feature Film, Best Animated Feature Film, and several technical and creative awards.
The success of these films underscores the role of cross-border financing and collaboration in Europe’s film industry. Creative Europe MEDIA typically supports projects at various stages, from script development to distribution across European markets, allowing filmmakers to bring stories to global audiences while maintaining creative independence.
European officials say recognition at the Oscars offers a powerful platform for European storytelling and demonstrates the competitiveness of the region’s audiovisual sector. The programme, which has been running for more than three decades, aims to strengthen cultural diversity while improving the international visibility of European productions.
As this year’s Academy Awards approach, the nominations serve both as a celebration of artistic achievement and as evidence of the continued influence of European public funding in shaping internationally recognised cinema. The European Commission’s Digital Strategy website notes that the nominations reflect the growing ability of EU-backed filmmakers to compete at the highest levels of the global film industry.
