The European Film Academy has made a notable change to its awards system, now allowing feature-length documentaries and animated films to qualify for the Best European Film award. This update, which was announced on Tuesday, will be upheld on December 7 at the 37th European Film Awards.

Previously, documentaries and animated features were confined to their own categories, unable to compete for the top prize alongside traditional narrative films. This change reflects the evolving nature of European cinema, acknowledging the significant role these genres play in enriching its variety of artistic expression.

This move by the European Film Academy mirrors a growing trend in the global film industry, including Hollywood, where traditionally overlooked genres such as documentaries and animated films are being given more recognition at awards. In recent years, The Oscars has broken some of its historical barriers by nominating and even awarding top honors to films from non-traditional formats. Films like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) and Soul (2020) have won Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards, while documentaries like American Factory (2019) and Free Solo (2018) have drawn increasing attention.

The new rules could benefit films like Mati Diop’s documentary Dahomey (2024) and Flow (2024), an animated feature by Gints Zilbalodis. These films, along with others, will now be qualified to compete for the top award in addition to their original categories.

This adjustment reflects the Academy’s recognition of the need for greater inclusivity and adaptability as the landscape of cinema continues to evolve across Europe. The change ensures that all forms of storytelling are given equal consideration, signaling a more open and dynamic future for the European Film Awards.