It’s almost that time of year again; when Europe’s greatest cinematic achievements will be recognised at the European Film Awards. And it’s all happening in Malta. The tropical holiday destination will host the prestigious event on the 1st of December in its stunning capital, Valetta.
A prominent event that is expected to attract over 1,000 guests, which will include 250 media representatives, the film summit will be held at Malta’s exquisite Mediterranean Conference Centre – much to the delight of its high-profile guests. Organising director of the European Film Awards, Marion Doring, said in an interview that she had never experienced a location as “beautiful” as Malta’s conference centre. Clearly delighted about the chosen venue, Doring also joked that St. John’s Cathedral would need to extend its opening hours to accommodate European guests looking to discover Malta.
Including 17 categories and 47 potential film nominees, the official members of the European Film Awards will officially release nominations on the 3rd of November at the European Film Festival in Spain after casting their votes in the next few weeks. High-interest contenders include Golden Globe winner Ceasar Must Die by Paolo and Vittorio Taviani, as well as Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, and Roman Polanski’s Carnage.
The prestigious ceremony, which will be streamed live off of the European Film Awards official website, is invite-only, and has already received attendance confirmation by a host of big names. Previous award show highlights include Lifetime Achievement Award wins for Judi Dench and Sean Connery, with equally high expectations for this year’s winner.
One of the primary reasons that the European Film Academy decided to bring the 2012 award show to Malta this year was to inject Maltese audiences with more exposure to the robust European industry as a whole. Zoning in on Malta’s own growing film culture recently, Culture Minister Mario de Marco acknowledged the large contribution it had made to the island’s economy, saying it had managed to generate an impressive €110 million, from the 75 locally-filmed productions, over the past five years.
Excitement in Malta for the European Film Awards
With pending December celebrations for the 25th edition of the European Film Awards imminent, there are a lot of preparations and excitement bubbling in Malta’s Valetta. Hosting privileges are considered quite the honour by European nations. Taking the responsibility very seriously, the Mediterranean city is set to put on quite the show with guests in line for quite the treat.
Bella Gray is an avid film blogger with the inside scoop when it comes to hot entertainment news. Gray recommends taking Malta holidays in December – just in time for the European Film Awards in Valetta. You don’t want to miss it!