‘A Sad And Beautiful World’ Trailer: Beirut-Set Star-Crossed Romance Is Lebanon’s Oscar Entry
EXCLUSIVE: Cyril Aris’ romantic drama A Sad and Beautiful World, which is Lebanon‘s candidate at the 2026 Oscars, has released its international trailer and Deadline can give a first exclusive look.
The Beirut-set drama stars Hasan Akil and Mounia Akl as childhood sweethearts Nino and Yasmina, who lose sight of one another, to reunite in their 20s, with their relationship developing in step with Lebanon’s tumultuous history.
The feature world premiered in Venice parallel section Giornate degli Autori (previously known as Venice Days) in September, where it won the audience voted People’s Choice Award and is now on the MENA festival circuit, with screenings set for Marrakech and the Red Sea.
The film marked a return to the big screen for Akl who has focused on directing in recent years with credits including Costa Brava, Lebanon as well as Boiling Point, The Responder and the upcoming dynasty drama House of Guinness.
Akil was previously seen in Memory Box, while other cast members include Julia Kassar, Camille Salameh, Tino Karam, and Nadyn Chalhoub.
The film is produced by Georges Schoucair at Abbout Productions (Lebanon), Jen Goyne Blake and April Shih at Diversity Hire (USA) and Georg Neubert and Jasper Wiedhöft at Reynard Films (Germany).
It is co-produced with Sunnyland Film, a member of ART and The Red Sea Fund, a Red Sea International Film Festival initiative.
Paradise City Sales is handling international sales.
