12/03/2024 - The European Parliament in Brussels will host the gala on 16 April

Anticipation mounts as the clock ticks towards the 2024 LUX Audience Award ceremony, slated to illuminate the Hemicycle of the European Parliament in Brussels on 16 April. This year's gala, yet another homage to European filmmaking, will culminate in the proclamation of the victor among the current contenders.

As a reminder, for only the second time in history, the roster of nominated films has expanded from three to five, a testament to the diverse narrative tapestry and storytelling prowess prevalent in modern European cinema. The contenders are Estíbaliz Urresola’s 20,000 Species of Bees [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Estíbaliz Urresola
film profile] (Spain), Aki Kaurismäki’s Fallen Leaves [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile] (Finland/Germany), Nicolas Philibert’s On the Adamant [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Nicolas Philibert
film profile] (France/Japan), Anna Hints’ Smoke Sauna Sisterhood [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Anna Hints
film profile] (Estonia/France/Iceland) and Ilker Çatak’s The Teachers’ Lounge [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: İlker Çatak
interview: Leonie Benesch
film profile] (Germany).

In anticipation of the 2024 European elections slated for 6-9 June, the forthcoming ceremony within the European Parliament will serve as a nexus, uniting MEPs, filmmakers, and citizens in a shared tribute to cinematic brilliance, cultural diversity, and democracy. The evening's agenda will feature addresses from distinguished participants, including President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, Vice-president Evelyn Regner overseeing the LUX Audience Award, Chair of the Committee on Culture and Education Sabine Verheyen, and representatives from the five nominated films.

If you will be in Brussels, register now to attend the highly-anticipated evening through this link.

Since the revelation of this year’s nominees at the Venice International Film Festival, European citizens and Members of the European Parliament have united in viewing and evaluating the films. This collective endeavour underscores the significance of exercising one's franchise and the essence of democracy in forging cultural bonds.

The LUX Audience Award stands as a collaborative venture between the European Parliament and the European Film Academy in conjunction with the European Commission and Europa Cinemas. Since its inception, the award has grown in prominence, solidifying its status as the foremost audience accolade globally.