Maren Ade’s foreign hit “Toni Erdmann” has swept the main categories of the 2016 European Film Awards, THR reports. The comedy took home Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and acting honors for stars Sandra Huller and Peter Simonischek.
Ade has made history, becoming the first woman director to win Best Film at the awards in their entire 29 years.
Despite being snubbed by the official Cannes jury when the film premiered there back in May (it won the FIPRESCI Grand Prix), “Toni Erdmann” has been swallowing up nominations and wins ever since. Just this morning, it was nominated for the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film. It won the Lux European Film Prize, Best Foreign Language Film at the New York Film Critics Circle, and is nominated for the Independent Spirits.
The film follows Winifried (Peter Simonichek) and Ines (Sandra Hüller), a father and daughter whose personalities are radically different from one another. Ines is an overworked, polished management consultant who is deeply invested in other people’s opinions of her. Her meticulously managed life is turned upside down when Winifried, a music teacher, shows up from out of town at her work for an unexpected visit. He says he plans to stay for a month. Winifried doesn’t fit neatly into the life Ines has carefully crafted for herself — the transition to having him around is anything but seamless. The relentless prankster’s affinities include decking himself out in a wig and false teeth, a nightmare for someone as easily embarrassed as Ines. Ines desperately wants to fit in, whereas Winifried demands to stand out.
“Toni Erdmann” is Germany’s official entry into the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar race and is a favorite to win. It will hit U.S. theaters on December 25.
