Cannes Film Festival Awards Highlight Global Cinema Amid Power Outage

CANNES, France — The 78th Cannes Film Festival wrapped up on Saturday night with a star-studded awards ceremony amidst unexpected drama, including a massive power blackout.

International jury president Juliette Binoche and her panel announced this year’s winners, showcasing the strength of global cinema through diverse narratives. The iconic Palme d’Or award was given to Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi for his film “It Was Just an Accident,” which highlights trauma and absurdity through its multi-character drama.

Despite a significant blackout that struck the area, the festival was prepared. Emergency generators kept the Palais running, allowing the ceremony to continue uninterrupted. “We are grateful for the quick response, ensuring we can celebrate these incredible films,” said Binoche.

Alongside Panahi, the Grand Prix went to Norwegian director Joachim Trier for “Sentimental Value,” a poignant family drama exploring reconciliation. “Art is an alternative language of unification,” Trier stated during his acceptance speech.

Actress Nadia Melliti took home the best actress award for her role in “Little Sister,” a story that navigates the complexities of identity. Best actor honors went to Wagner Moura for his portrayal in “The Secret Agent,” a film set during Brazil’s military dictatorship.

In a unique twist, John C. Reilly entertained audience members by performing “La vie en rose” while presenting the best screenplay award to Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne for “Young Mothers.” The jury prize was awarded to Spanish director Olivier Laxe for “Sirat” and German filmmaker Mascha Schilinski for “The Sound of Falling,” showcasing originality in storytelling.

The night also marked a historic moment as Hasan Hadi became the first Iraqi director to earn the Camera d’Or award for “The President’s Cake.” Hadi expressed gratitude, calling it “a triumphant moment for Iraqi cinema.”

Other notable mentions included special recognition for Chinese filmmaker Bi Gan’s “Resurrection.” Overall, this year’s festival has been praised for its compelling lineup, reflecting the richness of international film.