George Millerand his jury walked up the famous red carpet steps of the Palais des Festivals for the last time this year. The closing ceremony of the 69th edition of the Cannes Film Festival promised many surprises - and disappointed as well.
Kirsten Dunst, Arnaud Desplechin, Katayoon Shahadi, Mads Mikkelsen, Laszlo Nemes, Vanessa Paradis, Valeria GolinoandDonald Sutherlandhad heated debates about the winners, according to president of the jury George Miller. The process was allegedly “exhausting.”
We understood why as the winners were announced, but they ultimately made a few wise decisions.
The press room let out a loud cheer for the first time since the beginning of the ceremony asI, Daniel Blakewas announced as the winner of this year’s Palme d’Or (clickherefor my review).
Ken Loach, who had previously won the coveted award for 2006’sThe Wind That Shakes the Barley, used his acceptance speech to complain about the austerity policies across Europe.
Mel Gibson, who presented the top award alongside George Miller, told of how 40 years ago an ex-med school student-turned-filmmaker had given a young actor a chance and transformed his life through a movie calledMad Max, and that he hoped this year Cannes would transform other lives as well.
Asghar Farhadi’sThe Salesmanwas also a favorite asShahab Hosseiniwon the best actor award, which he dedicated to his people in Iran. (As a side note, he was also brilliant in Farhadi’sAbout Elly, starring alongsidePaterson’sGolshifteh Farahani.) As for Farhadi, he was awarded Best Screenplay. And it’s a rare feat for a movie to win two awards at Cannes.
“I don’t know what to say, I’m just so surprised.” On the verge of tears,Jaclyn Josethanked her directorBrillante Mendoza, also in tears, as she picked up her award for best performance as an actress inMa’Rosa.
For the Best Director award, it was a tie. Winner of the Palme d’Or in 2007 for4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days,Cristian Mungiushared his award forGraduation(one of the best films of the rather disappointing selection) withOlivier Assayaswho directedKristen StewartinPersonal Shopper. In fact, there was laughter in the press room as Assayas’s name was announced.
Vanessa Paradis and Kirsten Dunst presented the Jury Prize toAmerican Honey,Andrea Arnold’s cliché-filled three-hour road trip, followed by Arnaud Desplechin who awarded the Palme d’Honneur - the Honorary Palme - to French actorJean-Pierre Léaudto celebrate his long career. Léaud first came to the festival as a young actor aged only 14, accompanied by none other thanJean Cocteau, and has since appeared in films byJean-Luc Godard,François Truffaut,Paolo PasoliniandBernardo Bertolucci. This year, he played the lead in the off-competitionThe Death of Louis IVX.
And the most annoying award goes to…Xavier Dolan. Even thoughIt’s Only the End of the Worldwas received with very mixed reviews, it won Grand Prize. Dolan went on with a very lengthy, affected speech where he poured his heart out. He needed a hug; he got an award instead.
Palme d’Or:I, Daniel Blakeby Ken Loach
Grand Prize:It’s Only the End of the Worldby Xavier Dolan
Best Direction:Olivier Assayas (Personal Shopper) & Cristian Mungiu (Graduation)
Best Screenplay:The Salesmanby Asghar Farhadi
Best Actress:Jaclyn Jose inMa’Rosaby Brillante Mendoza
Jury Prize:American Honeyby Andrea Arnold
Best Actor:Shahab Hosseini inThe Salesmanby Asghar Farhadi
Honorary Palme:Jean-Pierre Léaud
Caméra d’Or:Divinesby Houda Benyamina
Palme d’Or Short Film:TimecodeBy Juanjo Gimenez
Short Film Special Distinction:The Girl Who Danced With The Devilby João Paolo Miranda Maria
