The illustrious 79th Cannes Film Festival has commenced its closing ceremony in the iconic Grand Théâtre Lumière, marking the culmination of days of intense cinematic exploration, critical debate, and industry networking. All eyes are now fixed on the esteemed jury, tasked with the momentous decision of announcing the winners of this year’s coveted accolades, most notably the Palme d’Or, the festival’s highest honor for best film. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation as filmmakers, actors, critics, and cinephiles worldwide await the pronouncement that will shape the global cinematic landscape for the coming year.
For those eager to witness this pivotal moment unfold live, the ceremony is being broadcast globally on TikTok Brut, offering unprecedented access to a younger, digitally native audience. Within France, the national public channel France 2 is providing domestic coverage, ensuring widespread viewership across the host nation. This dual approach to broadcasting underscores Cannes’ ongoing effort to balance its storied tradition with contemporary accessibility, reaching diverse audiences across traditional and digital platforms.
The Esteemed Jury: Guardians of Cinematic Excellence
This year’s jury, a diverse assembly of celebrated talents from across the international film community, has been meticulously selected to represent a wide spectrum of cinematic perspectives and expertise. Leading this distinguished panel is the South Korean maestro, director Park Chan-wook, whose distinctive vision and masterful storytelling, particularly in films like Oldboy and The Handmaiden, have garnered him global acclaim. His leadership promises a thoughtful and incisive evaluation of the competing films, drawing on a career marked by bold stylistic choices and profound thematic depth.
Joining him are a constellation of industry luminaries. Screenwriter Paul Laverty, known for his impactful collaborations with director Ken Loach on socially conscious dramas, brings a keen eye for narrative and character development. The directorial contingent further includes Laura Wandel, the Belgian filmmaker behind the critically acclaimed Playground, and Diego Céspedes, a rising talent whose work often explores complex human relationships. Rounding out the directorial expertise is Chloé Zhao, the Oscar-winning director of Nomadland and Eternals, whose unique blend of intimate storytelling and grand vision offers a valuable perspective.
The jury’s acting talent is equally impressive, featuring Hollywood icon Demi Moore, celebrated for her versatile performances across decades, and the captivating Irish-Ethiopian actress Ruth Negga, known for her powerful roles in films like Loving. They are joined by Isaach de Bankolé, a prolific actor with a distinguished career in both French and international cinema, and the veteran Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgård, whose extensive filmography spans arthouse dramas and blockbuster hits. This blend of creative minds from different cultures and disciplines ensures a rigorous and comprehensive appraisal of the films in competition, reflecting the festival’s global ethos.
Ceremony Host and Presenters: A Galaxy of Stars
The closing ceremony itself is a grand spectacle, orchestrating a parade of cinematic talent. French actress Eye Haïdara, known for her dynamic performances, has been entrusted with the significant role of hosting the evening, guiding the proceedings with elegance and wit. The presentation of awards will be handled by a stellar lineup of actors and directors, each adding their own gravitas to the momentous occasion.
Among the presenters are Oscar-winning American actress Geena Davis, a long-standing advocate for gender equality in Hollywood; Italian actor Pierfrancesco Favino, celebrated for his powerful performances in both European and international productions; the charismatic Mexican actor Gael García Bernal, a stalwart of independent and international cinema; and American actress Zoe Saldaña, known for her roles in major blockbusters and her versatile dramatic work. Directors Xavier Dolan, the Canadian prodigy known for his visually distinctive and emotionally charged films, and Nadine Labaki, the acclaimed Lebanese filmmaker, also grace the stage, symbolizing the festival’s embrace of diverse authorial voices. The pinnacle of the evening, the presentation of the Palme d’Or, will be carried out by the esteemed Scottish Oscar winner Tilda Swinton, whose ethereal presence and profound artistic integrity make her a fitting choice for this ultimate honor.
Cannes: A Prophetic Bellwether for Awards Season
Beyond its immediate accolades, the Cannes Film Festival has long held a reputation as a powerful predictor for the subsequent international awards season, particularly the Academy Awards. A strong showing at Cannes often generates significant early buzz, critical acclaim, and crucial distribution deals that propel films into the global consciousness and onto the awards circuit. This symbiotic relationship between Cannes and the Oscars highlights the festival’s unparalleled influence on the trajectory of cinematic works.
Last year’s festival provided compelling evidence of this predictive power. Several of its celebrated winners and acclaimed entries went on to receive Oscar nominations, cementing their status as international critical darlings. Jafar Panahi’s It Was Just an Accident, Joachim Trier’s poignant drama Sentimental Value, Kleber Mendonça Filho’s The Secret Agent, and Oliver Laxe’s Sirat all garnered significant attention, ultimately securing Academy Award nominations. Notably, Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value further distinguished itself by winning the Oscar for Best International Feature, demonstrating Cannes’ ability to identify films with profound global resonance and artistic merit that translate across cultural boundaries. This consistent trend reinforces the festival’s role not just as a showcase, but as a crucial launchpad for films destined for wider recognition and critical adoration.
The Intense Race for the Palme d’Or: A Field of Strong Contenders
Unlike some years with a clear frontrunner, this 79th edition has been characterized by a highly competitive and open field for the Palme d’Or, keeping pundits and critics on the edge of their seats. The lack of an "obvious" favorite has fueled vigorous debate and speculation, underscoring the exceptional quality and diversity of the films in competition.
Among the films frequently cited as strong contenders is Minotaur, the much-anticipated return of Russian director Andrey Zvyagintsev. Known for his unflinching social commentaries and aesthetically precise filmmaking, particularly in acclaimed works like Leviathan and Loveless, Zvyagintsev’s latest offering has been keenly awaited. His films often delve into the moral complexities of contemporary society, resonating deeply with international audiences and critics alike, making Minotaur a formidable candidate for the top prize.
Another film that has generated immense buzz is Calvo and Ambrossi’s Spanish musical drama, La Bola Negra (The Black Ball). Described as a queer epic, this film garnered widespread raves and an extraordinary 20-minute standing ovation at its Cannes premiere, signaling a powerful emotional impact. The presence of cinematic titans Penélope Cruz and Glenn Close in the cast further amplified its profile, blending artistic ambition with star power. Its bold themes and enthusiastic reception position it as a strong contender, potentially appealing to a jury looking for innovation and emotional resonance.
Belgian director Lukas Dhont, whose previous film Close earned critical acclaim, returned to Cannes with Coward, a WWI drama. Dhont’s ability to craft sensitive and emotionally charged narratives makes his exploration of such a historically significant and emotionally fraught period particularly compelling. The film’s themes of courage, sacrifice, and humanity amidst conflict likely struck a chord with the jury and audiences.
Finally, Emmanuel Marre’s A Man of His Time, a French wartime drama, has also entered the conversation. Starring Swann Arlaud, fresh off his success in the Oscar-winning Anatomy of a Fall, as a writer in Vichy France, the film tackles a complex and sensitive period of French history. Marre’s nuanced approach to character and setting, coupled with Arlaud’s compelling performance, likely positioned it as a powerful and thought-provoking entry, appealing to those who appreciate historical depth and character-driven narratives. The competitive nature of this year’s selection underscores the vibrancy and artistic strength of contemporary global cinema.
Neon’s Unprecedented Streak and Strategic Acumen
Industry watchers have been particularly attentive to the performance of Neon, the independent film distributor founded by Tom Quinn, as it seeks to extend an extraordinary streak of success. Neon has remarkably picked up the last six Palme d’Or winners, a testament to their exceptional foresight in identifying groundbreaking cinematic talent and their strategic acumen in securing distribution rights for films that resonate deeply with critics and juries alike. This impressive track record, which includes last year’s winner Jafar Panahi’s It Was Just an Accident, has solidified Neon’s reputation as a kingmaker in the independent film world.
Going into this year’s ceremony, Neon had six hopefuls in competition, all strategically acquired prior to the festival’s commencement. This aggressive acquisition strategy highlights their confidence in the films and their ability to spot future award-winners. Their diverse slate included:
- Na Hong-jin’s Hope: A South Korean monster movie, signaling Neon’s willingness to embrace genre filmmaking with artistic merit.
- James Gray’s Paper Tiger: A star-studded drama featuring Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver, showcasing their ability to attract major Hollywood talent to independent projects.
- Koreeda Hirokazu’s Sheep In The Box: An AI-inspired drama from the acclaimed Japanese director, known for his sensitive portrayals of family life, tackling timely technological themes.
- Arthur Harari’s The Unknown: A psychological fantasy starring Léa Seydoux, catering to the more art-house oriented segment of the market.
- Hamaguchi Ryusuke’s All of a Sudden: A nursing-home drama from the director of the Oscar-winning Drive My Car, reinforcing Neon’s commitment to acclaimed international auteurs.
- Cristian Mungiu’s Fjord: The English-language debut from the Romanian New Wave master, starring Renate Reinsve and Sebastian Stan, potentially marking a significant crossover for the director.
Neon’s consistent success underscores not only a sharp curatorial eye but also an effective business model that allows them to identify and champion films that captivate the critical establishment and resonate with audiences, further solidifying their pivotal role in the independent film ecosystem.
A Lifetime of Achievement: Honoring Barbra Streisand
A poignant highlight of the closing ceremony is the bestowal of a lifetime achievement Palme d’Or upon the legendary Barbra Streisand. This special award recognizes her monumental contributions to film, music, and directing over a career spanning six decades. Streisand is an unparalleled icon, having achieved EGOT status (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony Award) and breaking barriers as a female director in Hollywood with films like Yentl and The Prince of Tides. Her influence as an artist, a trailblazer, and an activist has left an indelible mark on popular culture and the entertainment industry.
Due to a knee injury, Streisand was unfortunately unable to attend the ceremony in person. However, in a beautiful gesture of mutual respect and admiration, she personally requested that the legendary French actress Isabelle Huppert accept the award on her behalf. Huppert, a titan of French cinema and a Cannes darling herself, will deliver a tribute, offering a few words in honor of Streisand’s extraordinary career and enduring legacy. This moment serves as a powerful reminder of the deep connections and mutual respect that bind the global cinematic community.
The Final Verdict: Awaiting the Winners
As the ceremony progresses, the anticipation for the official announcements reaches its zenith. The jury’s deliberations are always shrouded in secrecy, adding to the drama of the reveal. The decisions made tonight will not only crown new cinematic champions but also ignite new conversations, influence future productions, and introduce groundbreaking talents to a global audience. The impact of these awards extends far beyond the red carpet, shaping critical discourse, driving distribution strategies, and inspiring a new generation of filmmakers.
Below is a full list of winners, updating live as they are announced, reflecting the jury’s final judgments and celebrating the pinnacle of cinematic achievement at the 79th Cannes Film Festival.
Palme d’Or
Grand Prix
Jury Prize
Best Director
Best Screenplay
Best Actress
Best Actor
Special Prize
Camera d’Or for Best First Film
Palme d’Or for Best Short Film
Un Certain Regard Prize for Best Film
Everytime, Sandra Wollner
Un Certain Regard Jury Prize
Elephants in the Fog, Abinash Bikram Shah (first film)
Un Certain Regard Special Jury Prize
Iron Boy, Louis Clichy
Un Certain Regard Best Actor
Bradley Fiomona Dembeasset, Congo Boy, dir. Rafiki Fariala
Un Certain Regard Best Actress
Marina de Tavira, Daniela Marín Navarro, Mariangel Villegas, Siempre Soy Tu Animal Materno, dir. Valentina Maurel
