Film festival in Cannes 2024: Awards for young directors and innovative films

This year's Cannes Film Festival, held from May 14 to 25, 2024, has produced numerous innovative projects and awarded young directors and debutants for their outstanding films. The festival hosted 22 films in the official competition, and the jury chair, American director and screenwriter Greta Gerwig, brought her distinctive visions to the selection of winners. Among the awardees, young directors stood out with their films that captured the hearts of both the jury and the audience with their fresh approaches and bold themes.

Grand prize for the film Anora by Sean Baker

The Palme d'Or, the festival's most prestigious award, went to the film Anora, directed by American director Sean Baker. The film is set in New York and follows the story of Anora, a sex worker who begins a relationship with her client. Anora quickly became the most talked-about film of the festival, with director Baker and the cast, led by Mikey Madison, receiving numerous accolades for their brave performances and powerful social commentary.

Best director and awards for debut films

The award for best debut film, the Camera d'Or, went to the film Armand, directed by Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel, a young director who impressed the audience with his innovative visual style. A special mention for debut film was awarded to Mongrel, directed by Wei Liang Chiang and You Qiao Yin, which further demonstrated how young authors captivated critics this year.

Innovative approaches in screenwriting and special awards

Mohammad Rasoulof received a special award for best screenplay for his film The Seed Of The Sacred Fig. Rasoulof, known for his critiques of the regime in his native Iran, managed to convey complex social and political themes through tender stories that highlighted the universality of human experiences.

The award for best screenplay went to Coralie Fargeat for the film The Substance, and the jury particularly praised her ability to blend elements of the surreal and the real, creating an experience that intrigued the audience from the first to the last minute.

Awards for acting achievements

The best actress of the year was not a single individual, but an ensemble - Adriana Paz, Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Selena Gomez shared this award for their roles in the film Emilia Pérez. Jacques Audiard, the director of this film, managed to create an impressive dynamic among the main characters, which won over both the audience and critics.

The award for best actor went to Jesse Plemons for his performance in the film Kinds Of Kindness, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. Plemons's performance was filled with emotional depth, and his portrayal of the complexities of human emotions left a strong impression on those present.

Short films and special recognitions

The Palme for best short film was awarded to Nebojša Slijepčević for his film The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent, which stood out for its theme and engaged approach. A special recognition was given to the film Bad For A Moment, directed by Daniel Soares. These short films provided insight into personal stories that often remain in the shadows of major film projects, yet their intimacy and sincerity left a significant mark on viewers.

The impact of the festival and the future of the film industry

The Cannes Film Festival 2024 has once again confirmed its status as a key platform for new authors and young talents seeking an opportunity to present their visions to the world. This year, the festival demonstrated how youth, innovation, and courage in selecting themes can win even the most prestigious awards in the film industry. Special attention was also drawn to the award for the best young female technician, which went to Evgenia Aleksandrova for her work on the film The Balconettes by Noémie Merlant, where her vivid colors and lighting management transformed the film into an unforgettable visual experience.

With films like Anora, Grand Tour, and Emilia Pérez, this year's Cannes offered an early glimpse into potential candidates for the next Oscars, and the event successfully established a balance between established names and new, promising authors. The audience could enjoy a diversity of film stories coming from all corners of the world, once again showing that film as an art form knows no boundaries.