Inaugurated in 2007, the LUX (light) Prize supports the distribution of European films in the European Union. It will be used to sub-title the winning film in the Union's 23 official languages and to produce one copy per Member State in 35 mm format. The value of the LUX Prize is estimated at €87,000.

The selection criteria are as follows: fictions, animated films included, or documentaries; minimum length of 60 minutes; produced or co-produced in a country eligible under the MEDIA 2007 programme (EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland); released for the first time between 1 June 2007 and 31 May 2008; illustrating the universality of European values and/or the diversity of European culture and/or bringing insights into the debate on the process of building Europe.

The official selection is drawn up by a 17 panel drawn from the highest level of the cinema profession: producers, distributors, operators, festival directors, critics, ...

The winner will be chosen by Members of the European Parliament after the screening, from 15 September to 16 October, of the films in competition. In 2007 the LUX Prize was awarded to " Auf der anderen Seite" by Fatih Akin.