The European Film Awards are presented annually by the European Film Academy to recognize excellence in European cinematic achievements. The awards are given in over ten categories of which the most important is the Film of the year. They are restricted to European cinema and European producers and actors.
Extremely popular since their inception in 1988, their importance and prestige diminished in mid-90s. The beginning of the 21st century marked a certain rise of interest towards these awards. The awards were originally called the Felix Awards but the name was changed to the European Film Awards.
The host cities alternate, as Berlin hosts them every other year while other European cities get the chance in between. The 2008 ceremony will take place on 6 December in Copenhagen.