April 14, 2026

The winner of the 2026 LUX Audience Award is Deaf by Spanish director Eva Libertad. The prize is awarded jointly by audiences across Europe and Members of the European Parliament.

The film follows a deaf woman expecting a child as she navigates a world that does not readily accommodate her experience. Built from the detail of everyday situations, the story gradually opens up broader questions of communication, parenthood and acceptance.

The other finalists were Christy (Brendan Canty), It Was Just an Accident (Jafar Panahi), Love Me Tender (Anna Cazenave Cambet) and Sentimental Value (Joachim Trier).

The LUX Audience Award highlights contemporary European issues and supports the circulation of films across Europe. It connects audiences and European institutions in a way that remains distinctive within the film landscape.

Four films from this year’s selection were also part of the Days of European Film programme, giving audiences the opportunity to take part not only as viewers, but also in the voting process.