Belgian Production ‘Close’ Claims Top Prize at LUX European Audience Film Award

The winning film of 2023 LUX Award “Close” tells a moving story about friendship and responsibility © EP

(IN BRIEF) Belgian film “Close” has emerged as the winner of the 2023 LUX European Audience Film Award. The movie, directed by Lukas Dhont and co-produced by Belgium, France, and the Netherlands, tells the story of a deep friendship between two thirteen-year-old boys and explores themes of friendship and responsibility. The award was determined through a combination of public votes and votes from Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). The film was chosen from a shortlist that included works from Spain, Turkey, Portugal, and Sweden. A press conference featuring the winner and key figures from the European Parliament was held, and a Facebook live session with the winner was scheduled for broadcast.

(PRESS RELEASE) BRUSSELS, 28-Jun-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — The European Parliament, the EU’s only directly-elected institution and one of the legislative bodies of the European Union, announces that the Belgian film “Close,” directed by Lukas Dhont, has been awarded the prestigious 2023 LUX European Audience Film Award. The announcement was made during a ceremony held at the European Parliament’s hemicycle in Brussels.

“Close,” a co-production of Belgium, France, and the Netherlands, portrays the intense friendship between two thirteen-year-old boys, Leo and Remi. When their bond is unexpectedly disrupted, Leo turns to Sophie, Remi’s mother, in an attempt to comprehend the situation. The film explores themes of friendship and responsibility.

The shortlisted films competing for the award included “Alcarràs” by Spanish director Carla Simón, “Burning Days” by Turkish director Emin Alper, “Will-o’-the-Wisp” by Portuguese director João Pedro Rodrigues, and “Triangle of Sadness” by Swedish director Ruben Östlund.

The winner was determined through a combination of public and MEP votes, each accounting for 50% of the final decision. The awards platform received approximately 45,000 ratings from European viewers and 360 ratings from MEPs, with reviews submitted on a scale ranging from one to five stars.

Press Conference and Related Events

A press point featuring the winner, EP Vice-President Evelyn Regner (S&D, AT), and Honorary President of the LUX European Audience Film Award and Chair of the European Film Academy, Mike Downey, was held following the ceremony. The press conference can be viewed on EbS and EP Live.

Additionally, a Facebook live session with the winner will be broadcasted at 19:45 CET.

Media Contacts:

Agnese KRIVADE
Press Officer
(+32) 228 46 718 (BXL)
(+32) 470 89 01 46
agnese.krivade@europarl.europa.eu
cult-press@europarl.europa.eu
@EPCulture

SOURCE: European Parliament