The 78th Cannes Film Festival is set to conclude, with 22 films competing for the prestigious Palme d’Or. The winner will be announced by this year’s jury president, acclaimed French actress Juliette Binoche, alongside seven fellow jurors including Oscar-winner Halle Berry and 'Succession' star Jeremy Strong.
Among the frontrunners is Norwegian director Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value, a family drama starring Elle Fanning that received a remarkable 19-minute standing ovation after its premiere. Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi, known for his politically charged work, entered A Simple Accident, secretly filmed in Iran.
Ukraine’s Sergei Loznitsa presented Two Prosecutors, a historical drama set in Stalin's USSR, while Egypt-born Tarik Saleh made waves with Eagles of the Republic, a daring thriller indirectly criticizing Egypt's president.
The Dardenne brothers from Belgium returned with Young Mothers, earning high praise for its tender portrayal of teenage motherhood. Other notable entries include Nouvelle Vague by American director Richard Linklater, a stylish black-and-white homage to the making of Godard's Breathless, and The Phoenician Scheme by Wes Anderson, known for his signature quirky style.
South African director Oliver Hermanus screened The History of Sound, a period romance starring Paul Mescal and Josh O'Connor. Britain’s Lynne Ramsay shocked audiences with Die My Love, featuring intense performances from Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson.
The festival also highlighted bold works like Sirat by Spain’s Oliver Laxe, The Secret Agent from Brazil’s Kleber Mendonca Filho, and Eddington by Ari Aster, starring Joaquin Phoenix.
The Palme d’Or winner will be revealed tonight at a glittering ceremony on the French Riviera, capping off nearly two weeks of cinematic celebration.
