The famed Cannes Film Festival returned in 2021 after it was cancelled in 2020. Though it is usually held in May every year, it was moved to July due to Covid related restrictions. This was the 74th edition of the film festival. The ten-day festival had American director Spike Lee as the head of the jury.
The Palme d’Or went to Titane, directed by French director Julia Ducourau, and the Honorany Palme d’or was awarded to American actress and filmmaker Jodie Foster, and Italian filmmaker Marco Bellocchio.
As always, posters of the festival decorate the town, from storefronts to the Croisette.
This year’s poster features jury president Spike Lee looking out ironically through his large black glasses, framed by two palm trees. It’s not only the first time a Black filmmaker presides over the jury, it’s also the first time a jury head appears on the official festival poster.
Jury member Mati Diop also made history in 2019 when she became the first woman of color to have a film in competition at the festival with her feature Atlantics. This year’s jury, which awards the the festival’s highest honor the Palm D’or, also includes more women than men. At the opening day press conference, Diop and her fellow jurors emphasized the importance of greater equity and inclusion in legacy institutions like Cannes. When asked about her fellow jurors, American actor Maggie Gyllenhaal said, “I’m so curious to see what happens with this new formulation.”
Cannes President Lescure says Spike Lee’s presence over the festivities in such a moment — amidst a pandemic and worldwide calls for racial justice — is particularly meaningful. “Because of his filmography, because of his talent because of his political and social actions, because of who he is,” says Lescure. “It seemed to us he was the right man, in the right place, at the right moment.”
Picture Credit : Google
