The French-speaking community of Belgium has always been convinced of the importance of cinema as a major factor for deepening the European identity. While Belgium will soon take over the European Union's Presidency, we think that the European Film Academy remains a great window for the image of European films worlwide and we deeply hope that EFA will also be an effective tool in order to help European decision makers understand the role of European cinema in the preservation of cultural diversity.

Frédéric Delcor
- Secretary General -

The Niemeyer Center is a cultural institution designed by the legendary Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. Located in Asturias (Spain), the Center is aimed at becoming an international reference in cultural production and exhibition in its different fields (theatre, music, dance, etc.). Cinema is a key element of the Center, which is especially commited to support, preserve and promote European cinema.

Natalio Grueso
- Director -

Cinecittà Luce is an Italian state owned company whose mission is to support and promote the Italian cinema abroad. Our patronage to the 22nd European Film Awards confirm the effort and committment in what we do to promote the Italian and the European film culture.

Roberto Cicutto
- Chairman -

Kids love movies. We knew this was true, of course, but were still surprised when a recent Danish study documented just how well. Younger audiences watch movies through all windows, not least at the cinemas, but the study also shows us, that there is room for improvement. We are all proud of the originality and diversity of European cinema, but do we give enough consideration to our future audiences? As Europeans living in democracies of abundance, we must ensure that children and young people are given the opportunity to experience moving images that reflect, challenge and broaden their perception of reality. Just a thought…

Henrik Bo Nielsen
- CEO -

EGEDA is very proud to support, since 2001, the European Film Academy and its awards. Cinema is an essential element of what Europeans have in common: a centenary cultural heritage made through hundreds of years of coexistence. There is no better way to express the ideas and values of European nations. Let´s show them to the world.

Enrique Cerezo
- Chairman -

The European Film Academy unites an unsurpassed variety of actors, directors, screenwriters und composers, each of them representing their own unique and authentic culture! For this reason, we enthusiastically support the EFA and are pleased to be the official tabulators of the People's Choice Award.

Ulrich Plett
- Partner -

Eurimages - the European co-production Fund - is proud to be associated with the European Film Academy in presenting the European Co-production Award - Prix Eurimages. This prize awarded to European producers celebrates European cinematographic co-productions and their fundamental role in promoting our continent's rich cultural diversity.

Roberto Olla
- Executive Director -

Besides our strong belief in European cinema, we also believe in the European Film Awards as probably the best instrument on hand today in the promotion and marketing of the wide and colourful variety European cinema has to offer. Therefore we are extremely proud and excited to have joined the European Film Academy as patrons.

Christian De Schutter
- Manager -

Once again, we are pleased to associate the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation with the 2009’s edition of the European Film Awards, which one year after the other contributes to the consolidation of the European film industry in a forefront position of innovation.

Emílio Rui Vilar
- Chairman -

ICA is very proud to be associated with EFA’s European Film Awards 2009. The development of a cultural diversity in Europe filmmaking is one of the most important aims of ICA’s policy, supporting not only Portuguese films and film directors but also co-productions with other European countries. We believe that cinema can be an example of how such a ancient and diverse culture as the European is still able to create important, modern issues for the future of European art.

José Pedro Ribeiro
- Director -

"The continuous creation of art is one of the pillars of European history.  It is Korda Studios' mission to create an environment in which filmmakers create their art.  We are proud to support the EFA Film Awards, and partake in the celebration of European filmmaking."

Diana Vogel
- Deputy-CEO -

The Malta Film Commission is honoured to have the opportunity to present the island's long-standing tradition as an international film destination to Europe's foremost industry participants. Malta's historical and cultural legacy, together with its film-servicing capacities and financial incentives, offer a unique setting that lends itself perfectly to the spirit of European filmmaking, as well as to the European Film Academy's commitment of uniting creativity and industry.

Luisa Bonello
- Film Commissioner -

Cyprus’ Ministry of Education and Culture is pleased to be associated with an organization, having as its central aim to promote Europe’s film culture. I strongly believe that, by supporting the European Film Academy, we support European excellence in cinematographic works, communicate European values, as well as strengthening dialogue between different countries.

Andreas Demetriou
- Minister of Education and Culture of Cyprus -

Dutch films currently enjoy increasing domestic success. For our small country with its limited language area, it is essential to belong to a strong and vibrant European film culture. We feel it is important to participate in the further profiling and expansion of the eclectic European film with its own values and distinct character. Dutch film makers are now extending their focus to other European countries. The European Film Academy plays a vital role in this process and we are honoured to be a patron.

Doreen Boonekamp
- Director -

European cinema is distinctive and show a variety of films and topics, that deal with our roots as well as the whole world. The European Film Academy is a strong partner for the promotion of this variety and the visibility of European filmmaking. Not only a gala-evening, but a stage for cinema at its best. The Austrian Film Institute is proud to be one of this years partners.

Roland Teichmann
- Director -

The European Film Academy has always been dear to Polish hearts. Since 2006, when we were greatly privileged to host the Awards Ceremony in Warsaw, the Polish Film Institute truly feels a part of the European film family. I congratulate this year all the nominees. We are all eagerly looking forward to see the results of EFA this year and the years to come.

Agnieszka Odorowicz
- Director -

For decades now Prokino and EFA have been walking hand in hand. We both are known to nurture young filmmakers, for accompanying many European talents over the years and enjoying breakout successes. After all these years and the phenomenal successes of BIENVENUE CHEZ LES CH’TIS and SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, we have decided to join the ranks of patronage to pay back a little of the recognition we receive every year via EFA’s continuous efforts to make European talents household names and to showcase the diversity in form and content that we in Europe are able to create and choose from.

Ira von Gienanth
- Partner -

The Seville European Film Festival is proud to host the announcement of the nominations for the European Film Awards, thanks to the trust of the European Film Academy. We will be cooperating in this endeavour, to promote the love for European films and respect for European filmmakers. In this edition, SEFF has selected more film directed by women than by men in its official competitive section. We want to open up the screens for new views. Also, filmmakers from China or Afghanistan produced in Europe came to show their works. It is great to celebrate finally a continent with out any type of walls thanks to cinema.

Javier Martin-Dominguez - Artistic Director Seville European Film Festival –

It is wonderful to see the list of past winners and nominees of the European Film Award every year, as it shows the greatness of European cinema and what we stand for and Svensk Filmindustri is delighted to support this yearly event. Svensk Filmindustri AB, being one of World’s oldest film companies, appreciate The European Film Awards' successful attempt to acknowledge top quality will continue to inspire the audience to enjoy stories on the big screen.

Ann-Kristin Westerberg
- Sr. Vice President, Head of Int'l Div. -

Me and my collegues at the The Swedish Film Institute are very proud to be one of EFA’s patrons. We are also very proud of our contributions to the nominees this year. European film is fantastic. It is generally made with a high artistic ambition, and the films are impressively touching, dynamic and strong. Since I started my work at the Swedish Film Institute, my highlight of the year has been that special day in the autumn, when the box containing all the most exciting European films from the year, arrives.
Now, I wish you all a pleasant European Film Awards Ceremony!

Cissi Elwin Frenkel
- CEO -

It is our pleasure to continue our support for the valuable achievements of the European Film Academy. Each year, with all the nominated films, the Academy and the Gala enables us to see what world we are living in and to realize what others think about matters close to us all. It helps us to see – ever further and better than before.

Piotr Lenarczyk
- Director of International Relations, Acquisitions & Sales -

UGC Cinemas, one of Europe’s largest cinema chain and a key European player in film production and distribution through its sister company UGC Images, is proud to support the European Film Awards and the European Film Academy, as we recognise every day in our cinemas the need for strong, diversified European films that are able to appeal to all type of audiences. It is hence both an honour and a duty for UGC Cinemas to sponsor the European Film Awards which strongly contribute to promote European film culture and industry.

Jean-Marie Dura
- Directeur général -

We strongly believe in European talent in film making! Good films need a strong personal handwriting in storytelling and our task as European producers, film funders, distributors and Commissioning Editors is to provide our talent with a solid basis for production but also distribution!

Peter Ålbaek-Jensen
- CEO -