The 77th Cannes Film Festival concluded with Sean Baker’s “Anora” winning the prestigious Palme d’Or, marking a significant achievement for the director known for his poignant portrayals of sex workers. The darkly humorous and touching drama about a young exotic dancer’s entanglement with a Russian oligarch’s son captivated the jury, led by Greta Gerwig.
The festival also celebrated diverse cinematic voices, awarding the Grand Prix to Indian director Payal Kapadia’s “All We Imagine As Light” and recognizing Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof. This year’s festival, held from May 14 to 25, showcased a rich tapestry of global storytelling and talent.
CANNES — “Anora,” a drama about a young exotic dancer and a Russian oligarch’s son, won the Cannes Film Festival’s top prize, the Palme d’Or, on Saturday.
Directed by Sean Baker
The film by U.S. director Sean Baker triumphed over 21 other films, including entries from Francis Ford Coppola and David Cronenberg. “Anora” continues Baker’s focus on sex worker stories, following his previous films “Red Rocket” (2021) and “The Florida Project” (2017).
Acceptance Speech Dedication
Baker dedicated the win to “all sex workers past, present, and future.” He thanked the film’s star, Mikey Madison, and his wife and producer, Samantha Quan. Overwhelmed, Baker called the award his life’s goal.
Praise from Greta Gerwig
Jury president Greta Gerwig, known for “Barbie,” described “Anora” as “incredibly human and humane.” The award was presented by “Star Wars” creator George Lucas.
Grand Prix Awarded to “All We Imagine As Light”
The Grand Prix, Cannes’ second-highest honor, went to “All We Imagine As Light” by Indian director Payal Kapadia. This marks the first Grand Prix win for an Indian director. The film explores the friendship between three women.
Special Award for Mohammad Rasoulof
Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof received a special award for “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” a film about an Iranian court official during the 2022 protests. Rasoulof announced his exile just weeks before the festival.
“Emilia Perez” Celebrated for Sisterhood
“Emilia Perez,” a musical about a Mexican cartel boss transitioning from male to female, won the jury prize. The best actress award was shared by Zoe Saldana, Selena Gomez, Karla Sofia Gascon, and Adriana Paz. Gascon, the first transgender actress to win the prize, dedicated it to women and minorities.
Best Actor and Best Screenplay Awards
Jesse Plemons won best actor for his roles in “Kinds of Kindness,” directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. The best screenplay award went to “The Substance,” a body horror film directed by Demi Moore.
Best Director Award
Miguel Gomes won best director for “Grand Tour,” a film about a British civil servant’s travels through Asia.
Festival Overview
The 77th Cannes Film Festival, running from May 14 to 25, featured a wide array of films and honored a diverse group of filmmakers and actors.
The 77th Cannes Film Festival highlighted the global diversity and creative excellence in filmmaking. With “Anora” taking the Palme d’Or, Sean Baker continues to shine a light on complex, often marginalized stories. Other notable winners, like Payal Kapadia and Mohammad Rasoulof, further demonstrated the festival’s commitment to honoring varied and impactful narratives.
As the festival drew to a close, it left audiences and critics alike reflecting on the power of cinema to capture the human experience in all its forms. The event not only celebrated outstanding achievements but also set the stage for future cinematic innovations and storytelling.
