On October 17, 2026, the 53rd edition of Film Fest Gent 2026 announced its main competition winners during an evening awards ceremony in Ghent.
The festival's Grand Prix for Best Film was awarded to La Gradiva, the feature-film debut of French director Marine Atlan.
The film follows a group of French high school students during a trip to Naples and Pompeii, exploring friendship, identity and the emotional complexities of adolescence.
The Georges Delerue Award for Best Soundtrack went to DAO, directed by French-Senegalese filmmaker Alain Gomis. The jury recognized the film's innovative integration of music and storytelling, particularly its combination of traditional musical influences and newly composed works.
The Explore Award, selected by a jury of young film enthusiasts aged 18–26, was presented to Everytime, directed by Sandra Wollner.
This year's official competition featured 12 films representing 19 countries, demonstrating the festival's international scope.
The awards ceremony was followed by a screening of Le Faux Soir, directed by Belgian filmmaker Michaël R. Roskam.
Film Fest Gent occupies a distinctive position within the international festival landscape because of its longstanding emphasis on the relationship between cinema and music.
By combining film competitions with soundtrack recognition, professional programming and opportunities for emerging filmmakers, the festival demonstrates how specialized cultural positioning can differentiate an event within a competitive international market.
Its continued focus on film music also highlights the importance of multidisciplinary programming in attracting audiences and creating distinctive festival experiences.
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