Leonie Benesch Earns European Film Award Nomination for Role in 'The Late Shift'

German actress Leonie Benesch has secured a prestigious nomination for the European Film Award in the Best Actress category. This recognition honors her compelling performance in the film 'The Late Shift,' originally titled 'Heldin,' which translates to 'Heroine.' Directed by Petra Volpe, the movie tackles the critical issue of staff shortages within the healthcare sector. The narrative centers on Floria, a dedicated nurse striving to manage the relentless demands of an overburdened surgical ward.

Benesch is already familiar to international audiences, having previously garnered acclaim for her role in the Oscar-winning drama 'The Zone of Interest' (2023). That performance also earned her a European Film Award nomination. Her distinguished filmography includes appearances in 'The White Ribbon' (2009) and the series 'The Crown.' This latest high honor from the European Film Academy follows significant recognition for 'The Late Shift' itself. The film has already amassed six awards and has been officially selected by Switzerland as its submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards.

Director Petra Volpe, known for her work on 'God's Order' (2017), was committed to achieving deep authenticity for this project. To this end, she conducted dozens of interviews with nurses across Switzerland, Germany, and the United States. The film, which premiered globally on February 17, 2025, at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, was produced with a budget of 3.7 million euros. Critics have taken note of Benesch's powerful portrayal; for instance, Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian specifically highlighted her 'tough, intelligent, plausible presence' in the role.

The grand ceremony for the European Film Awards is scheduled to take place on January 17, 2026, in Berlin at the Haus der Kulturen der Welt. Benesch’s nomination places her in esteemed company alongside fellow contenders such as Valeria Bruni Tedeschi for 'Dusa,' Léa Drucker for 'Case 137,' Vicky Krieps for 'Loving Without Words,' and Renate Reinsve for 'Sentimental Value.' This achievement underscores the high caliber of contemporary European filmmaking, where directors like Petra Volpe address vital social themes using cinematically sophisticated techniques, including the use of long takes to heighten dramatic tension.

The European Film Academy, established by Ingmar Bergman in 1989, has recently seen an expansion of its influence. In 2024, the Academy welcomed a record 709 new professional members. French actress Juliette Binoche assumed the role of President of the Academy on May 1, 2024, succeeding Agnieszka Holland in the position.