What is the Cannes Film Festival?
The Cannes Film Festival is one of the world's most prestigious film festivals, held every May in Cannes on the French Riviera. Its top prize is the Palme d'Or.
The festival was planned in 1939 as a rival to the Venice Film Festival, but World War II delayed it until 1946. Today, it presents new films from around the world, chosen by a selection committee. Films in the main competition are judged by a jury, usually led by a famous actor or director.
Cannes is known for its glamorous red carpet, strict dress codes and the Palais des Festivals, where premieres take place. Alongside the official selection, the Marché du Film is one of the largest film markets, where producers and distributors buy and sell films. The festival is generally open only to industry professionals and press.
Launching careers
A strong showing at Cannes can boost a film's chances at the Oscars and launch new directors' careers. Films such as Pulp Fiction and Parasite won the Palme d'Or before achieving worldwide success. Parasite went on to win the Oscar for Best Picture in 2020.
Did You Know?
Cannes has a tradition of long standing ovations after premieres, sometimes lasting more than 10 minutes.