Brussels: Spanish director Eva Libertad's film 'Deaf' has been awarded the prestigious 2026 LUX Audience Award, chosen jointly by European Union citizens and Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). The award highlights films that expand perspectives and promote cultural understanding.
According to Cyprus News Agency, 'Deaf' offers a compelling narrative of a deaf woman, ngela, facing the challenges of motherhood in a predominantly hearing world. The film's lead, deaf actress Miriam Garlo, delivers a powerful performance that invites audiences to approach communication and diversity with a new mindset. European Parliament vice-president Sabine Verheyen praised the film for its authenticity and its ability to foster inclusivity within Europe.
Director Eva Libertad expressed hope that the award would draw attention to the experiences of the deaf community and inspire policies that enhance inclusivity. She emphasized the importance of viewing diversity as a strength rather than a challenge.
The LUX Audience Award this year featured four other shortlisted films: 'Christy' by Brendan Canty, 'It Was Just an Accident' by Jafar Panahi, 'Love Me Tender' by Anna Cazenave Cambet, and 'Sentimental Value' by Joachim Trier. The winner was determined by the votes of European citizens and MEPs, each contributing equally to the final decision.
The LUX Audience Award supports the distribution of European cinema, providing subtitles in 24 EU languages, and, for the first time, subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. The European Parliament collaborates with the European Film Academy, the European Commission, and the Europa Cinemas network to enhance the reach and impact of these films across the continent.
A press point was held after the ceremony with European Parliament vice-president Sabine Verheyen, representatives from the winning film, and other notable figures from the European film community. This event was webstreamed for wider accessibility, aligning with the Parliament's commitment to inclusivity in cultural experiences.