Brussels – Journalists accredited to cover European Parliament proceedings have a limited window to request interviews with the filmmakers and talent behind the five films shortlisted for the 2026 LUX Audience Award. The award, a joint initiative of the European Parliament and the European Film Academy, aims to amplify European cinema and foster dialogue around important social and political themes. This year’s nominees represent a diverse range of storytelling, tackling subjects from personal struggles to broader societal concerns.
The LUX Audience Award distinguishes itself by uniquely incorporating public opinion into the selection process. Both Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and the public contribute to determining the winner through a weighted rating system, giving equal voice to both groups. The deadline to submit those public ratings is April 12, 2026, allowing audiences to weigh in on which film best embodies the spirit of European values and artistic merit. The award’s focus is on films that reflect cultural diversity and address issues like democracy, human dignity, equality, and inclusion.
Representatives from each nominated film are expected to be present at the award ceremony, scheduled for April 14th at the European Parliament in Brussels, beginning at 6:00 PM local time. Journalists wishing to conduct interviews must submit a request through a dedicated online form before noon on April 7th. Confirmations will be sent by April 10th, according to organizers. The interviews themselves will take place at the European Parliament on April 14th.
Nominees Available for Interview
The five films vying for the 2026 LUX Audience Award, and the representatives expected to be available for media interviews, are as follows:
- “Christy” – Actor Diarmuid Noyes, Actor Jamie Forde, Producer Meredith Duff
- “Deaf” – Director Eva Libertad
- “It Was Just an Accident” – Producer Philippe Martin
- “Love Me Tender” – Producer Raphaëlle Delauche
- “Sentimental Value” – Media representative to be confirmed
Interested journalists can access the interview request form here: https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/e689dc59-d986-ecf9-3ca4-e0e392aa7957
Accessing the Ceremony and Press Opportunities
Attendance at the award ceremony is open to MEPs, film representatives, and the public, but press access requires valid accreditation from the European Parliament. Detailed information on the accreditation process can be found on the European Parliament’s website: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/accreditation. Registration for the ceremony itself is also required and can be completed through this link: https:/ep-events.europarl.europa.eu/commcsou/LUXAudienceAwardCeremony2026/e/lk/g/105470/k/
Following the ceremony, a press point will be held outside the hemicycle featuring representatives from the winning film and Sabine Verheyen, Vice-President of the European Parliament. Verheyen, a German MEP with the European People’s Party, has been a vocal advocate for cultural initiatives within the Parliament. Her official profile can be found on the European Parliament website. The press point will be live-streamed, allowing broader access to the event: https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/webstreaming/press-point-with-lux-audience-award-winner-representatives-and-vice-president-of-european-parliament_20260414-1915-SPECIAL-PRESSER
A History of Promoting European Film
The LUX Audience Award was first presented in 2020, building on a longer tradition of European Parliament support for the film industry. The initiative is a collaboration between the European Parliament, the European Film Academy, the European Commission, and the Europa Cinemas network. In 2025, approximately 1,200 people attended the award ceremony, as documented in a retrospective video available on the European Parliament’s multimedia platform: https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/video/lux-audience-award-2025-ceremony-retrospective-video-2025-announcement-of-the-winner-by-nela-riehl-greensefa-de-chair-of-the-cult-committee-and-photo-of-the-winninf-films-team-flow_I271055. The award aims to not only recognize artistic achievement but also to increase the visibility and distribution of European films, particularly those that address pressing social and political issues.
The LUX Audience Award continues to be a significant platform for European filmmakers, offering a unique opportunity to connect with both industry professionals and a broad public audience. The final selection, determined by a combination of MEP and public votes, will be announced at the April 14th ceremony. The next key date for public participation is April 12th, the deadline for submitting film ratings on the official LUX Audience Award website: https://luxaward.eu/en/.
What are your thoughts on the importance of supporting European cinema? Share your opinions and insights in the comments below.
