Lukas Dhont’s film “Close” has been awarded the Lux European Audience Film Award by the European Parliament. This intimate melodrama, which tells the story of an intense friendship between two 13-year-old boys, premiered at the Cannes film festival in 2022, where it won the Grand Jury prize. It was also Belgium’s Oscar contender and received a nomination for an Academy Award in the best international feature category.
“Close” is Dhont’s second feature film, following his acclaimed directorial debut “Girl” in 2018. “Girl” was inspired by the true story of a transgender ballet dancer and received widespread recognition, including the Camera d’Or for best first feature and the Queer Palm for best LGBTQ+ movie at Cannes. Dhont has described “Close” as a “continuation of the themes in “Girl,” but with a focus on friendship, intimacy, and responsibility.”
“Close” emerged as the winner of the Lux European Audience Film Award from a shortlist of five films. The other nominees included Ruben Östlund’s Cannes Palme d’Or winner “Triangle of Sadness,” Carla Simón’s Golden Bear winner “Alcarràs” from the 2022 Berlin Film Festival, Emin Alper’s Turkish thriller “Burning Days” from the 2022 Cannes competition, and “Will-o’-the-Wisp,” a comedy-fantasy-musical from Portuguese director João Pedro Rodrigues that premiered in the Cannes Directors’ Fortnight sidebar.
The Lux winner was determined through a combination of audience votes and the votes of members of the European Parliament. European audience members had the opportunity to screen the nominated films at over 500 screenings across the European Union. The audience votes, totaling around 45,000, were given equal weight alongside the votes of the 360 Parliamentarians who participated in the voting process.
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At the awards ceremony in Brussels, Lukas Dhont and co-screenwriter Angelo Tijssens accepted the Lux European Audience Film Award. This recognition highlights the impact and resonance of “Close” among European audiences and reaffirms the power of cinema to explore themes of friendship and intimacy.
Dhont’s success with “Close” builds on the critical acclaim and recognition he received for “Girl.” Both films explore complex and sensitive themes with sensitivity and emotional depth. Through his storytelling, Dhont champions diversity and challenges societal norms, further establishing himself as a talented filmmaker with a unique perspective.
The Lux European Audience Film Award serves as an important platform for European cinema, shining a spotlight on films that may not receive mainstream recognition. By giving audiences and European Parliament members the opportunity to vote for their favorite films, the award promotes dialogue, cultural exchange, and engagement with European cinema.
In conclusion, “Close” has captivated audiences and critics alike with its exploration of friendship, intimacy, and responsibility. Lukas Dhont’s second feature film solidifies his position as a rising talent in European cinema, following his acclaimed debut “Girl.” The Lux European Audience Film Award further recognizes the film’s impact and highlights its significance in contemporary cinema.
