Cannes 2024 - Awards and comments

When Greta Gerwig was announced as this year's president of the jury, on the back of her Barbie's triumph, there were a few uncharitable comments about her suitability, especially given her lack of history with the festival. And yet, with her jury they gave out maybe the most flawless list of awards in many, many years. Time will tell of course and it is always interesting to see the momentum the awarded films sustain... or not over the following months. But for now, what an exciting end to this year's edition.

Over the last couple of days everyone had The Seed of the Sacred Fig as the winner, an "important" film although one which I feel is solid rather than great and rather didactic at times, not to mention its slightly baffling final act. That the jury "only" gave it a special jury award shows that they privileged cinema over themes. 

Emilia Perez, a scrappy but audacious and ultimately endearing crime musical/telenovela proved quite divisive with the press and it translated to a jury prize, the sign of a split jury. Giving it this award on top of best actresses for its quartet of female leads might have been a bit too much, depriving another film from another award but all the same, this is one film that is likely to do well with general audiences. 

Best screenplay for The Substance, awarded with much glee by Eva Green (the perfect jury member to give it), was a pleasing if unexpected award and it feels like the jury ran out of prizes to give it but still wanted to reward it as we were expecting best actress for Demi Moore or best direction. Still, that such an insane film of body horror not only made it in competition and also won anything at all is so exciting!

Best direction for Miguel Gomes was spot on, his gorgeous and melancholic Grand Tour elevated by its stunning and evocative direction indeed, blending contemporary footage and a stylised period narrative. This should also put an end to the Portuguese director's sulking over not making the selection for Arabian Nights!

Best actor was wide open and while somehow of a surprise, Jesse Pliemons for his multiple roles in the mad Kind of Kindness was an inspired choice, for an actor fast becoming one of the most interesting ones in his generation. 

Also pleasing was Grand Jury Prize going to All We Imagine As Light, especially considering the film was originally earmarked for Un Certain Regard. It marks the arrival of a major talent with Payal Kapadia.

As for the Palme d'or... Have you ever seen a happier recipient than Sean Baker, who, completely in shock, told a delighted audience that this had been his dream for thirty years. It also marks the first time an American film wins the top award since The Tree of Life in 2011. The palme d'or was given by a visibly moved Greta Gerwig with a heartfelt speech about how much they had all loved the film that had made them laugh and cry and one with such humanity. This is the sort of perfect winners that is likely to do just as well with audiences as it did with the press.