A trailer for Lebanon’s entry into the Oscars: unveiling a sad and beautiful world

Exclusive: Romantic drama by Cyril Aris A sad and beautiful worldwhich is Lebanon’s nominee for the 2026 Oscars, has released its international trailer and Deadline can give an exclusive first look.

The drama series takes place in Beirut, with Hassan Akil and Mounia Akl playing childhood sweethearts Nino and Yasmina, who are estranged from each other, only to reunite in their twenties, as their relationship develops in line with Lebanon’s turbulent history.

The film had its world premiere in the Venice-parallel section of the Giornate degli Autori (formerly Venice Days) in September, where it won the People’s Choice Award and is now on the MENA festival circuit, with screenings in Marrakesh and the Red Sea.

The film marks a return to the big screen for Akl who has focused on directing in recent years including credits Costa Brava, Lebanon Besides boiling point, Respondent And the upcoming dynasty drama House of Guinness.

Aqeel has been seen before Memory boxWhile the cast also includes Julia Kassar, Camille Salama, Tino Karam, and Nadine Shalhoub.

The film is produced by Georges Choucair at Abbot Productions (Lebanon), Jane Guin Blake and April Shih at Diversity Hire (USA), and Georg Neubert and Jasper Wiedehooft at Reynard Films (Germany).

Co-produced by Sunnyland Film, an ART member, and the Red Sea Fund, an initiative of the Red Sea International Film Festival.

Paradise City Sales handles international sales.