Agnieszka Holland‘s Franz has received two more nominations at the 38th European Film Awards, for costume design and makeup. These latest acknowledgments mark the third recognition the Czech co-production has received this year from the European Film Academy, following star Idan Weiss’s nomination for best actor.
Franz tells the story of Franz Kafka, one of the most influential literary figures of modern times and one of Prague’s most famous residents, and these nominations underline the film’s detailed artistic craftsmanship. They honor the work of Gabriela Poláková in makeup and Michaela Horáčková Hořejší in costume design, highlighting their contributions to the film’s authentic recreation of early 20th-century Prague.
Poláková and Horáčková Hořejší’s work not only brings historical accuracy to the screen but also serves a narrative purpose, helping audiences engage more deeply with the characters and period. Their recognition reflects the Czech film industry’s ongoing ability to compete on a European level in technical and creative categories.
Crafting the world of Franz
Poláková, one of the most sought-after makeup artists in the Czech Republic, has built a career on both domestic and international projects, including Nosferatu and Spider-Man: Far from Home. Her previous work on Anthropoid and Charlatan has earned her Czech Lion nominations, with the latter shortlisted for the Academy Awards.
For Franz, Poláková led a team of artists, including René Stejskal, Dana Kohoutová Sr., and Soňa Mikšátková, creating makeup designs that reflect Prague’s turn-of-the-century atmosphere. Her approach emphasizes subtle yet effective techniques to convey character depth, contributing significantly to the film’s immersive historical setting. The film previously won an award for makeup at the 50th Polish Film Festival in Gdynia, further cementing her international reputation.
Horáčková Hořejší, an acclaimed costume designer with extensive film and theater experience, prepared more than 4,500 costumes for the production. Among these, 150 pieces were custom-made for lead actor Idan Weiss, whose portrayal of Kafka has already garnered a European Film Award nomination for best actor.
Horáčková Hořejší’s work spans Czech hits such as The First Republic (První republika) and international projects like the Norwegian film Amundsen and the German series Oktoberfest: Beer & Blood. Her designs balance historical fidelity with character storytelling, supporting both visual authenticity and narrative depth.
Czech cinema on the European stage
The European Film Awards, selected by over 5,400 members of the European Film Academy, spotlight the continent’s most distinguished cinematic achievements. With its multiple nominations, Franz joins a competitive field that includes films by Yorgos Lanthimos, Paolo Sorrentino, and François Ozon.
For the Czech film industry, these nominations represent both recognition of technical excellence and increased international visibility. Franz has already gained attention through its festival circuit, including premieres at Toronto, San Sebastián, and Busan, and has secured distribution across Europe, North America, and Asia.
The 38th European Film Awards ceremony is scheduled for Jan. 17, 2026, in Berlin. Industry observers note that Franz’s accumulating accolades, particularly in craft categories such as costume and makeup, reinforce the Czech industry’s reputation for detailed, high-quality production design.
Lead photo: Idan Weiss in Franz (2025). Photo © Marlene Film Production
