The LUX Audience Award is a joint initiative of the European Parliament and the European Film Academy in collaboration with the European Commission and Europa Cinemas. It is the largest audience award worldwide and the only film prize in the world where citizens together with Members of a democratically elected Parliament-with each group weighting 50%-can decide the winner.
Critically acclaimed international success Flow, directed by Latvian animator and film-maker Gint Zilbaldois and co-produced by Dream Well(Latvia), Sacrebleu Productions (France), and Take Five (Belgium), was declared the winner. The four other films shortlisted for the award were: Animal by Greek director Sofia Exarchou, Dahomey by French director Mati Diop, Intercepted by Ukranian director Oksana Karpovych, and Julie Keeps Quiet by Belgian director Leonardo van Dijl. Flow was the only animated film shortlisted.
Mike Downey, honorary president of the LUX Selection Committee and chair of the European Film Academy, following the announcement of the winner, said:
We have had five compelling narratives and five very different LUX Audience Award nominees: they are an inspiration to filmmakers and the public alike, not only for celebrating the extraordinary variety of European cinema but also for demonstrating its ability to entertain and elevate at the same time. The cinematic art in Europe is a perfect example of how culture can make a significant contribution to society and advocate for compassion, empathy and change in an otherwise divided world.
The LUX Audience Award has garnered a reputation by selecting European co-productions that engage with topical political and social issues and encourage debate about European values. The European Parliament teams up with the European Film Academy, the European Commission and the Europa Cinemas network to reach a wider audience and to continue to strengthen the links between people and politics.
European Parliament Vice-President Sabine Verheyen said in a video message shown during the award ceremony in the European Parliament hemicycle in Brussels:
The LUX Audience Award is more than just a prize. It is a testament to the European Parliament’s commitment to democracy, freedom of expression and the role of cinema in reflecting and shaping our societies. It brings European stories closer to people and brings people closer to the work of the European Parliament. This year’s five nominated films represent some of the most urgent and compelling issues of our time, issues that are at the core of the European Parliament’s agenda.
