Maren Ade’s “Toni Erdmann” has won the Lux Film Prize, the annual film honor handed out by the European Parliament, THR reports. The award goes to a film that contributes to the “debate and reflection on Europe and its future.”
“Toni Erdmann” premiered back at the Cannes Film Festival in May and has been a festival darling and critical hit ever since. It is Germany’s entry into the Academy Awards for best Foreign Language Film.
Written and directed by Ade, the film follows Winifried (Peter Simonichek) and Ines (Sandra Hüller), a father and daughter whose personalities are radically different from one another. Ines is an overworked, polished management consultant who is deeply invested in other people’s opinions of her. Her meticulously managed life is turned upside down when Winifried, a music teacher, shows up from out of town at her work for an unexpected visit.
While “Toni Erdmann” didn’t take home any prizes at Cannes, it’s been gaining some trophies ever since. It won the FIPRESCI international critics award for film of the year, earned best film honors at the Brussels International Film Festival, and took home the audience award at the Seville European Film Festival. The film leads in nominations for the European Film Awards, which will take place December 10.
Sony Pictures Classics snagged the U.S. distribution rights to “Toni Erdmann.” The film will be released in theaters December 25.
