There are awards that celebrate the industry. And then there are awards that challenge us as citizens.

The LUX Audience Award is not just a film prize: it is an invitation to look at Europe through cinema. Every year, the European Parliament and the European Film Academy, together with the Creative Europe MEDIA programme and the Europa Cinemas network, present the LUX – Audience Award for European Cinema.

Rosalía already told us, but Lux means light in Latin, and that is exactly what this is about: shedding light on stories that speak about us — our social tensions, our cultural diversity, the values we share (and also the ones we debate). Films that cross borders and that, without this initiative, might not reach our screens.

What makes it especially interesting is that here, the audience decides. The five films nominated for the 2026 LUX Audience Award were announced at the European Parliament, and both citizens and Members of the European Parliament can now vote online. The final result combines both votes at 50%. The winning film will be announced on 14 April 2026 in Brussels. By voting, you can also win exciting prizes, such as a trip to the European Parliament in Brussels to attend the award ceremony and meet the directors and film crews of the nominated films.

But before that, we need to watch them, discuss them and rate them. At CineCiutat, we celebrate the LUX with a special cycle from 2 to 5 April, one film per day, always at 5 pm (click on each film to access tickets):

2/04 – Sorda
3/04 – Christy
4/04 – A Simple Accident
5/04 – Sentimental Value

Five European perspectives. Five ways of understanding the present. Five opportunities to leave the cinema wanting to talk.

European cinema is not a label. It is a conversation. And this award reminds us of something essential: culture is participation.