The big winner of the night was Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi, who took home the Palme d’Or for his film UN SIMPLE ACCIDENT. Known for making powerful films even when facing strict rules, Panahi showed how strong a simple story can be. People were left speechless, and some even cried!
Norwegian director Joachim Trier won the Grand Prix for his film AFFEKSJONSVERDI (SENTIMENTAL VALUE). This movie dives deep into memories and feelings, proving that Trier is a master at telling heartfelt stories.
In a unique twist, the Jury Prize was shared between two thoughtful films. Oliver Laxe’s SIRÂT takes viewers on a spiritual journey, while Mascha Schilinski’s SOUND OF FALLING is a touching tribute to loss. Both films create dream-like experiences that mix joy and sadness.
Kleber Mendonça Filho won Best Director for his film O AGENTE SECRETO (THE SECRET AGENT), a stylish thriller that tackles important issues. Actor Wagner Moura also won Best Performance by an Actor for his strong role in the film.
The Dardenne brothers, Jean-Pierre and Luc, received an award for their script for JEUNES MÈRES. This film tells a raw yet gentle story about young women facing the challenges of motherhood while dealing with poverty and judgment.
Nadia Melliti wowed everyone with her performance in LA PETITE DERNIÈRE by Hafsia Herzi. Her role as a young daughter trying to find her own way earned her the award for Best Performance by an Actress.
Bi Gan received the Special Award for his film RESURRECTION, which takes viewers on a mind-bending journey through time and space. The film is visually stunning and left a lasting impression.
In the Short Film Competition, Tawfeek Barhom’s I’M GLAD YOU’RE DEAD NOW won the Palme d’Or. This intense film challenges viewers to think about their emotions. A Special Mention went to ALI by Adnan Al Rajeev, which beautifully captures youth and identity.
The top prize in the Un Certain Regard section went to LA MISTERIOSA MIRADA DEL FLAMENCO (THE MYSTERIOUS GAZE OF THE FLAMINGO) by Diego Céspedes from Chile. This magical film is filled with wonder and folklore.
Some other notable awards included:
- Jury Prize: UN POETA (A POET) by Simón Mesa Soto
- Best Director: Arab & Tarzan Nasser for ONCE UPON A TIME IN GAZA
- Best Screenplay: Harry Lighton for PILLION
- Best Actress: Cleo Diára in O RISO E A FACA
- Best Actor: Frank Dillane in URCHIN
The Caméra d’Or, given to the best first feature film, went to Hassan Hadi for THE PRESIDENT’S CAKE. This film humorously explores the quirks of authority and tradition.
Cannes also highlighted new talent with the La Cinef selection:
- First Prize: FIRST SUMMER by Heo Gayoung (KAFA, South Korea)
- Second Prize: 12 MOMENTS BEFORE THE FLAG-RAISING CEREMONY by Qu Zhizheng (Beijing Film Academy)
- Joint Third Prize: GINGER BOY by Miki Tanaka and WINTER IN MARCH by Natalia Mirzoyan
The CST Award for Best Young Female Technician went to Éponine Momenceau, who was the Director of Photography for Connemara. The Artist-Technician Award celebrated Ruben Impens and Stéphane Thiébaut for their amazing work on Alpha.
The 78th Cannes Film Festival showed once again that movies can change the world, tell important stories, and touch our hearts. From the real-life struggles in JEUNES MÈRES to the dreamy visuals of RESURRECTION, this year’s festival celebrated the endless possibilities of storytelling and the brave voices behind them.
As Juliette Binoche and her jury handed out the awards amidst cheers and bright lights, one thing was clear: cinema is alive and kicking, always growing and exciting us in new ways!