The resplendent Lebanese Movie Awards ceremony is set to make a triumphant comeback in 2023, after a two-year hiatus induced by the global COVID-19 pandemic. This highly anticipated ceremony will blossom in all its glory on July 6, a date igniting the hearts of cinephiles with a sense of anticipation.
Established in the cradle of 2013 by Emilio Eid, the Lebanese Movie Awards ceremony was born out of a vision to illuminate the artistic genius of Lebanese filmmakers, often left in the shadows once their films flicker out of theaters. In 2023, the torch of this noble vision is carried forward by The Lebanese Movie Academy association, established to bring structure, grandeur and a future full of promise to the Awards.
Emilio Eid, captivated by the grandeur of the Oscars, wondered, “Why should Lebanese films be deprived of such a ceremony?”
A man driven by the inexplicable disparity between the international accolades bestowed on Lebanese films and their overlooked status at home, Eid took it upon himself to craft a local Oscars equivalent.
The awards, in their nascent stage, embraced a humble yet proud Lebanese cinema industry, with five or six films making their debut in theaters. Eid’s efforts have borne fruit, as the industry now presents a yearly bouquet of 15 films. A testament to the Awards’ significance and a tribute to the flourishing film industry, the Awards have evolved from their initial two categories to an illustrious 14, each one encapsulating the magic of the artistic and technical realms of cinema.
As the Lebanese Movie Awards come to life on July 6, the stage will reveal the hidden pearls of the Lebanese film industry. It is a date engraved in golden letters on the cinematic calendar, a date that signifies the unyielding spirit of Lebanese cinema, promising an enchanting symphony of artistry under the twinkling stars.
The panel of judges is a rich tapestry of talent and expertise, representing a diverse range of voices within the industry. This assembly of cinema connoisseurs, tasked with the responsibility of distinguishing excellence amidst a sea of talent, forms the very essence of the Lebanese Movie Awards. Among them are Pierre Sarraf, Bsharah Atallah, Diala Kashmar, Lara Saba, Christopher Aoun, Brahim Smaha, Nadia Tabbara, Elias Chahine, Darine Hamze, Chantal Fisher, Nada Abou Farhat, Diamond Abou Abboud, Cynthia Choucair and last but not least, Hady Zaccak.
The roster of films bestowed with the honor of nominations is a vibrant palette of Lebanese storytelling. These cinematic pieces, each unique and profound, make up a grand tapestry that encapsulates the depth and breadth of the Lebanese cinematic landscape. They stand as a testament to the resilience and creativity of filmmakers who continue to craft meaningful and compelling narratives, firmly placing Lebanese cinema on the global map.
List of Nominated Movies
Best Lebanese Film Category
1982, Oualid Mouaness
A State of Agitation, Elie Khalifé
All This Victory, Ahmad Ghossein
Beirut Hold’em, Michel Kammoun
Broken Keys, Jimmy Keyrouz
Costa Brava, Lebanon, Mounia Akl
Death of a Virgin and the Sin of Not Living, George Peter Barbari
Memory Box, Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige
The Sea Ahead, Roger Azar.
Best Actor Category
Adel Chahine in All This Victory
Tarek Yaacoub in Broken Keys
Saleh Bakri in Costa Brava, Lebanon
Roger Azar in The Sea Ahead
Best Actress Category
Sahar Minkara in All This Victory
Rola Beksmati in Broken Keys
Nadine Labaki in Costa Brava, Lebanon
Manal Issa in The Sea Ahead
Best Director Category
Oualid Mouannes, 1982
Ahmad Ghossein, All This Victory
Jimmy Keyrouz, Broken Keys
Georges Peter Barbari, Death of a Virgin and the Sin of Not Living
Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige, Memory Box
Best Scenario Category
Elie Khalife for A State of Agitation
Ahmad Ghossein, Abla Khoury and Syllas Twoumerkas for All This Victory
Jimmy Keyrouz for Broken keys
Georges Peter Barbari for Death of a Virgin and the Sin of Not Living
Joana Hadjithomas, Khalil Joreige and Gaelle Macé for Memory Box
Best Cinematography Category
Shadi Shaaban for All This Victory
Céline Bozon for Beirut Hold’em
Joe Saadeh for Broken Keys
Joe Saadeh for Costa Brava, Lebanon
Karim Ghorayeb for Death of a Virgin and the Sin of Not Living
Josée Deshaies for Memory Box
Best Editing Category
Sandra Fatte for A State of Agitation
Giannis Halkiadakis for All This Victory
Yves Beloniak, Maria Malek for Broken Keys
Cyril Aris, Calros Marques-Marcet for Costa Brava, Lebanon
Tina Baz for Memory Box
Best Movie Music Category
Khyam Allami for All This Victory
Cynthia Zaven for Beirut Hold’em
Gabriel Yared for Broken Keys
Fadi Tabbal for Death of a Virgin and the Sin of Not Living
Charbel Haber, Radwan Moumeh for Memory Box
Best Sound Editing Category
Rana Eid for All This Victory
Chadi Roukoz and Vincent Hazard for Broken Keys
Cedric Kayem for Death of a Virgin and the Sin of Not Living
Rana Eid for Memory Box
Best Costume Category
Wael Boutros, 1982
Lara Mae Khamis, Broken Keys
Beatrice Harb, Costa Brava, Lebanon
Lara Mae Khamis, Memory Box
Best Make-up Artist and Hairdresser
Nader Sidani, Roula Zahar and Claudine Choueiri – 1982
Roula Zahar and Nader Sidani, Broken Keys
Roula Zahar and Nader Sidani, Memory Box
Best Set Designer Category
César el-Hayeck, 1982
Issa Kandil, Broken Keys
Issa Kandil, Thomas Bremer, Costa Brava, Lebanon
Maia El-Khoury, Memory Box
Best Short-Film Category
Layal Jomaa, Disconnected
Rakan Mayasi, Trumpets In The Sky
Dania Bdeir, Warsha
Best Documentary Category
Selim Mourad, Agate Mousse
Zeina Daccache, The Blue Inmates
Wissam Tanios, We Are From There
