Organised by the European Parliament and the European Film Academy in partnership with the European Commission and Europa Cinema, the LUX Audience Award celebrates European cinema and aims to raise awareness about social, political and cultural issues in Europe. This year’s nominees offer an eclectic mix of themes, approaches and visual thrills. The five films are co-produced by more than 10 countries, further displaying European cultural richness. XXXXXX, the winner of this edition, gives his/her final speech during the ceremony. Final speech by the LUX 2023 Audience Award winner Closing music: Trio Jenlis ("Love Theme" - Nuovo Cinema Paradiso, Ennio Morricone). The transcription is the result of an automatic process. Please, check against delivery.

Brussels

statement

cinema

LUX European Audience Film Award 2023 (T)

LUX Audience Award 2023 ceremony: Final speech by the LUX 2023 Audience Award winner Closing music: Trio Jenlis ("Love Theme" - Nuovo Cinema Paradiso, Ennio Morricone)

SOUNDBITE (English), Angelo Tijssens, screenwriter of "Close", Thank you, thank you. It was 45,000 people who voted, even if you didn't vote for us. Thank you. We're in the centre of democracy, so we have to respect that. Thank you for supporting European cinema. There are five films here and it has been said they're all incredible.

SOUNDBITE (English), Angelo Tijssens, screenwriter of "Close", But there are hundreds and hundreds and thousands of filmmakers all across Europe, who aren't here tonight. Support their films as well, go to your local cinema, support their work. Ask your representatives to support their word. Because it's important as well.

SOUNDBITE (English), Angelo Tijssens, screenwriter of "Close", So, thank you. Thank you, Lucas, as well.

SOUNDBITE (English), Lukas Dhont, Director of "Close", Thank you.

SOUNDBITE (English), Angelo Tijssens, screenwriter of "Close", Yes, thank you. Well done.

SOUNDBITE (English), Lukas Dhont, Director of "Close", No. Yeah, I know. Thank you, indeed. Like Angelus said, I agree with what he said. I want to thank everyone here and I want to thank all the European audience who went to see these films during one of the 500 screenings and who voted. It feels incredible. And I'm sure I talk for the others to feel that support from our European audience. So, thank you.

Closing music: Trio Jenlis ("Love Theme" - Nuovo Cinema Paradiso, Ennio Morricone).