The well-known director Yannis Smaragdis is now officially recognized by the European Academy of Sciences and Arts as the first Greek member, honoring contemporary Greek culture at European level. By decision of its Board of Directors, the European Academy has selected the award-winning director as a full member, recognizing his contribution and footprint in the arts. Yannis Smaragdis thus becomes the first Greek director to join the Academy, which was founded in 1990 and is based in Salzburg and supported by the Presidency of 12 European countries. The Academy includes prominent members, including 38 Nobel Prize winners, and collaborates with renowned universities and research centres, promoting culture and innovation.

The official induction ceremony will take place on 9 March 2025 in Salzburg, at an event dedicated to the Academy’s Arts Class. His induction is a significant distinction and recognition of his art, which for 40 years has captured the Greek spirit with worldwide acclaim.

Giannis Smaragdis himself said that this distinction is “an honour and a responsibility”, noting that he feels a “triple duty”. He said that the first duty is to honour and preserve the memory of Greek directors whose work has contributed to the international reputation of Greek cinema and theatre. The second task is to strengthen Greece’s presence in the European Academy by inviting young Greek creators from the fields of arts and spirit. Finally, he considers it his duty to inspire younger creators and to remind them that the Greek artists who have left their mark on the world stage have done so by embodying Greek values and contemporary international thinking, thus contributing to a cultural tradition of global significance.

Born in 1946 in Heraklion, Crete, Yannis Smaragdis has contributed important films that have gained a wide audience, such as Cavafy, El Greco and Kazantzakis. He is also highly regarded as a teacher and has taught at universities and drama schools, contributing to the training of young filmmakers. Today, he is preparing to complete his film about Ioannis Kapodistrias, one of the most important Greek politicians and visionaries, maintaining the same zeal for cinema and for capturing Greek history on screen.