The 2024 Cannes Film Festival delivered its usual mix of glamour, drama, and surprises, but some moments truly stood out. Here are the biggest shocks from this year’s event:
- Sean Baker’s “Anora” Wins Palme d’Or
The Palme d’Or went to Anora, a dark comedy by Sean Baker. The film, which explores the life of a Brooklyn sex worker, was a festival favorite but its victory still came as a surprise, given the intense competition. Baker’s win marks another significant moment for independent cinema. - Best Actress Award Split Between Four Performers
In an unexpected twist, the Best Actress award was shared by the ensemble cast of Emilia Pérez: Adriana Paz, Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Selena Gomez. This unconventional decision by the jury, led by Greta Gerwig, raised eyebrows but celebrated the powerful performances in Jacques Audiard’s daring legal drama. - Shocking Film Content
Cannes is no stranger to provocative cinema, but some films this year pushed boundaries even further. Ali Abbasi’s The Apprentice, a controversial portrayal of Donald Trump’s early years, left audiences uncomfortable with its graphic scenes of abuse. Yorgos Lanthimos’ Kinds of Kindness also featured scenes of self-mutilation that had viewers squirming. - Honorary Palme d’Or for George Lucas
Another surprise came with the honorary Palme d’Or awarded to Star Wars creator George Lucas. Although celebrated for his cinematic contributions, this honor was unexpected in a festival dominated by more traditional arthouse fare. - Neon and A24 Dominate Film Acquisitions
Indie powerhouses Neon and A24 were aggressive buyers at Cannes 2024, securing several highly anticipated films. A24 purchased Anora and other buzz-worthy titles, while Neon picked up The Seed of the Sacred Fig and The Monkey, showing that both companies are positioning themselves for major festival releases later in the year.
The 2024 Cannes Film Festival has certainly set the tone for the year ahead in cinema, and these surprising moments are sure to be discussed long after the red carpet has been rolled up.
