With the Cannes Film Festival about a month away, Reelay looked at some of the event’s biggest winners from years past. Cannes is one of the most prestigious events in the film industry. Held annually in Cannes, France, the festival showcases the best of international cinema and brings together some of the most talented and influential people in the film world. Over the years, numerous films and filmmakers have made a name for themselves at Cannes, and here are some of the biggest winners in the festival’s history.
“Apocalypse Now” (1979) – Francis Ford Coppola’s Vietnam War epic won the Palme d’Or at Cannes in 1979. The film was praised for its stunning visuals, powerful performances, and haunting score by composer Walter Murch.
“Pulp Fiction” (1994) – Quentin Tarantino’s iconic crime film won the Palme d’Or in 1994. The film, which starred John Travolta, Uma Thurman, and Samuel L. Jackson, is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time and helped cement Tarantino’s status as a master of modern cinema.
“The Tree of Life” (2011) – Terrence Malick’s poetic meditation on life, death, and the universe won the Palme d’Or in 2011. The film, which starred Brad Pitt and Sean Penn, was praised for its stunning visuals and thought-provoking themes.
“The Artist” (2011) – Michel Hazanavicius’ charming tribute to the silent film era won the Palme d’Or in 2011. The film, which starred Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo, was praised for its nostalgic feel and delightful performances.
“Amour” (2012) – Michael Haneke’s heart-wrenching drama about an elderly couple facing the end of their lives won the Palme d’Or in 2012. The film, which starred Emmanuelle Riva and Jean-Louis Trintignant, was praised for its unflinching portrayal of aging and mortality.
“Parasite” (2019) – Bong Joon-ho’s genre-defying masterpiece won the Palme d’Or in 2019. The film, which starred Song Kang-ho and Lee Sun-kyun, was praised for its sharp social commentary, brilliant cinematography, and stunning performances.
“Blue is the Warmest Color” (2013) – Abdellatif Kechiche’s coming-of-age drama won the Palme d’Or in 2013. The film, which starred Léa Seydoux and Adèle Exarchopoulos, was praised for its intimate portrayal of first love and its unflinching honesty.
“The Piano” (1993) – Jane Campion’s haunting drama about a mute pianist and her daughter won the Palme d’Or in 1993. The film, which starred Holly Hunter, Harvey Keitel, and Anna Paquin, was praised for its stunning visuals and powerful performances.
“The Class” (2008) – Laurent Cantet’s gripping drama about a French teacher and his troubled students won the Palme d’Or in 2008. The film, which starred François Bégaudeau and Agame Malembo-Emene, was praised for its realistic portrayal of classroom dynamics and its poignant exploration of youth and identity.
“Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives” (2010) – Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s surreal and enigmatic film won the Palme d’Or in 2010. The film, which starred Thanapat Saisaymar and Jenjira Pongpas, was praised for its dreamlike imagery and affecting story.
