The official ceremony took place on Saturday, March 8, in Salzburg, Austria, with the Academy’s Council unanimously approving his membership.

A Historic Honor

Smaragdis becomes the first Greek director to receive this distinction and the first contemporary Greek artist to earn the title of Academician outside of Greece. This recognition not only honors his four-decade-long career but also underscores his dedication to showcasing the great figures and values of Greek civilization—spanning Minoan, Classical, and Byzantine eras—through his films.

The Director’s Statement

Upon receiving the honor, Smaragdis expressed deep emotion and pride:

“Arriving in Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, to be inducted into the European Academy of Sciences and Arts, I found myself among brilliant and enlightened individuals, including 38 Nobel laureates. They represent a spiritually elevated Europe, beyond self-destructive and futile political struggles. If the values they uphold prevail, Europe can be rejuvenated. This fills me with optimism. As a Greek, I was deeply moved by their respect for the enduring legacy of Greek culture. My emotions intensified when I noticed an inscription with a quote from Aristotle at the entrance of the university library hosting the event. As a Greek, how could I not feel deeply touched?”

Recognition from the Greek Ministry of Culture

Greece’s Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, lauded Smaragdis’s induction:

“Giannis Smaragdis’s election as a member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts is a tremendous honor for both him and contemporary Greek culture. It acknowledges his long-standing contributions to cinema and his artistic dedication to themes that revive and celebrate Greek heritage. His international recognition reaffirms the global impact of his work.”

Tribute from the Greek Directors’ Guild

Haris Papadopoulos, President of the Greek Directors’ Guild, paid homage to Smaragdis, likening him to a modern-day El Greco:

“Giannis Smaragdis embodies the resilient spirit of Greek cinema. He has consistently sought his own ‘Ithaca,’ much like the poetic journey described by Cavafy. He has opened new artistic horizons, overcoming challenges with unwavering determination. His work is not just about directing films; he lives through his cinematic vision.”

A Distinguished Career

Smaragdis has received numerous accolades both in Greece and abroad, with his films enjoying widespread acclaim. Twice voted Greece’s most popular artist, he has also been a beloved professor, having taught at Panteion University and various drama and film schools.

Born in 1946 in Heraklion, Crete, he studied film direction in Greece and Paris. His career began in 1972 with the award-winning short film Two or Three Things…. His major films include:

• 2025: Kapodistrias – A highly anticipated film on Greece’s greatest modern statesman. Before filming began, he received the Ioannis Kapodistrias International Award from the Greek Academy of Arts and Sciences.
• 2017: Kazantzakis – Based on the autobiography of author Nikos Kazantzakis, the film topped the Greek box office and won multiple international awards, including the Grand Remi Award at the Houston WorldFest.
• 2012: God Loves Caviar – An international co-production, premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival.
• 2007: El Greco – A record-breaking Greek box office hit with 1.2 million viewers, it won multiple awards, including the Vatican’s Giuseppe Sciacca Award.
• 1996: Cavafy – Screened for 12 consecutive years in Paris and honored at numerous international festivals.

In addition to feature films, Smaragdis has directed acclaimed documentaries and theatrical productions. He has also generously donated all his films to Greece’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for cultural diplomacy.

With his induction into the European Academy of Sciences and Arts, Giannis Smaragdis solidifies his legacy as a visionary filmmaker and a guardian of Greek cultural heritage.