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🇫🇷 France /Culture & Society

Cannes Festival Closes With Double Win, Putin Addressed Amid Political Speeches

From Le Figaro · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • The 79th Cannes Film Festival concluded with a politically charged closing ceremony, awarding Romanian director Cristian Mungiu the Palme d'Or.
  • Several laureates used their acceptance speeches to address global issues, including the war in Ukraine and the Rwandan genocide.
  • Director Andrei Zvyagintsev directly called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the conflict in Ukraine.

The 79th Cannes Film Festival closed with a decidedly political flourish, awarding Romanian director Cristian Mungiu his second Palme d'Or for "Fjord." The ceremony, however, was as much a stage for global grievances as it was for cinematic celebration.

The festival has conjugated two French passions: that for cinema and for debates.

— Eye HaïdaraThe host of the closing ceremony alluded to the politically charged atmosphere of the festival.

Amidst a backdrop of controversy involving Canal+ and Vincent Bolloré, the festival embraced its tradition of politically charged speeches. Mungiu himself decried the "state of the world today," expressing a lack of pride in what is left for future generations and calling for more "empathy and benevolence." He was not alone in his pronouncements.

the state of the world today which is not the best.

— Cristian MungiuThe Palme d'Or winner described the current global situation in his acceptance speech.

Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo, accepting the Caméra d'Or for "Ben'Imana," honored women who survived the Rwandan genocide, delivering a powerful tribute. Lebanese director Nadine Labaki, presenting an award, spoke of the devastating war in her home country, noting that "the land of the Cedars is living through the worst scenarios."

I am not proud of what we leave to our children.

— Cristian MungiuThe director expressed his concerns for the future during his acceptance speech.

Perhaps the most direct political intervention came from Grand Prix winner Andrei Zvyagintsev. Addressing Russian President Vladimir Putin, he urged an end to the "butchery" in Ukraine, stating that the Russian president is the only one who can stop the bloodshed. Zvyagintsev expressed hope that his message would reach Putin, even if indirectly.

Was it wise to leave my country which is going through a devastating war?

— Nadine LabakiThe Lebanese director questioned her presence at the festival given the conflict in her homeland.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Le Figaro in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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