The Closing Ceremony, which announced the winner of the Palme d’Or, unfolded this evening, July 17, 2021.
The 74th Cannes Film Festival came to a close this evening of July 17, 2021. Taking place two months later than usual, this year’s film festival has been much anticipated after last year’s cancellation. After watching the 24 feature films in Competition, the jury, presided by Spike Lee, who nearly revealed the winner of the Palme d’or too soon, presented the awards at the Closing Ceremony. During the Closing Ceremony, Italian director Marco Bellochio received an Honorary Palme d’Or for his extraordinary filmmaking career. The audience gave Bellochio a standing ovation—another of the many very long standing ovations from the masked audiences of this festival. Imagination and courage are the two essential ingredients to making films, Bellochio said as he accepted his award. Jodie Foster was also awarded an Honorary Palme d’Or for her amazing career during the Opening Ceremony. The winner of the Palme d’Or 2021 becomes the second female director to win the prize. Only four female directors, out of the 24 films, were selected for Competition this year. The Palme d’or, presented by Sharon Stone, was awarded to Titane directed by Julia Ducournau. In winning, Ducournau makes history for being the second woman to win the Palme d’Or in 74 years. Jane Campion won the coveted prize in 1993, jointly with Chen Kaige. The two lead actors, Vincent Lindon and Agathe Rousselle, joined Ducournau on stage as she accepted the prize. The film made quite the sensation when it screened, praised by some, while heavily criticized by others who described it as “monstrous” as Ducournau pointed out.
