Strasbourg: The European Parliament has unveiled the five films shortlisted for the 2026 LUX Audience Award. The nominated films, Christy, Sorda, It Was Just An Accident, Love Me Tender, and Sentimental Value, were announced in Strasbourg and will compete for the prestigious award.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the selection was made by a panel of film professionals from EU member states. The films reflect the European Parliament’s dedication to promoting democracy, freedom, and diversity while addressing societal challenges such as inclusion, human rights, and mental health. Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, emphasized the significance of cinema in European culture and the award’s role in bringing European cinema closer to audiences.
Sabine Verheyen, the vice-president responsible for the LUX Audience Award, highlighted the diversity and emotional depth of this year’s nominated films. She stressed the importance of maintaining a strong cultural budget to support inclusive and fair democracies. Nela Riehl, chair of the Committee on Culture and Education, underscored the award as a tool for cultural and democratic expression across Europe.
Each of the five films offers a unique narrative. Christy, directed by Brendan Canty, follows a young Irish boy navigating life with his estranged half-brother. Sorda, by Spanish director Eva Libertad, tells the story of a deaf woman facing the challenges of motherhood. Jafar Panahi’s It Was Just An Accident provides a commentary on political repression in Iran. Love Me Tender, by Anna Cazenave Cambet, explores a woman’s battle for custody in the face of societal prejudice. Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value delves into complex family dynamics involving a film director and his daughters.
The shortlisted films will be screened for free across all EU countries until April 2026, featuring subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. Both European citizens and Members of the European Parliament can vote for their preferred film, with votes contributing equally to the final scores. The winner will be announced in a ceremony at the European Parliament in Brussels in mid-April 2026.
The LUX Audience Award, established in 2020, is a collaboration between the European Parliament, the European Film Academy, the European Commission, and Europa Cinemas. It aims to foster dialogue between politics and the public, complemented by the Young Talent Programme to engage young cinema professionals.