The Palm dOr for Fjord, the Grand Prize for Minotaur, Our Salvation distinguished for its screenplay… The Cannes Film Festival 2026 celebrates bold and political cinema

At the closing ceremony of the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival on Saturday, May 23, host Eye Haïdara declared, “Tonight is the final note.” Director Park Chan-wook and his jury awarded 8 films out of the 22 in competition, including a second Palme d’Or to Romanian director Cristian Mungiu for his film “Fjord.” The selection was marked by films exploring history and the past to shed light on the present. The only French film to win an award was “Notre Salut” by Emmanuel Marre, which received the screenplay award.

The festival was also shaken by the anti-Bolloré manifesto signed by over 3,000 professionals. This led to Canal+ being sued for discrimination against the signatories, resulting in the group saying they no longer want to work with them.

Cristian Mungiu won a second Palme d’Or for “Fjord,” calling for change and sending a message of tolerance and inclusion. The film depicts a family’s struggle with religious extremism and strict parenting, leading to a trial for family violence.

Russian director Andreï Zviaguintsev won the Grand Prix for “Minotaure,” criticizing Putin for the invasion of Ukraine. The film is an adaptation of Claude Chabrol’s “La Femme infidèle.” Zviaguintsev’s film shows the horror of the war and the comfort soldiers find in entertainment during difficult times.

Other winners include female interpretation prizes for Virginie Efira and Tao Okamoto and shared awards for Emmanuel Macchia and Valentin Campagne for “Coward.” The mise-en-scène award was shared between Los Javis and Pawel Pawlikowski for “Fatherland.”

Emmanuel Marre won the screenplay award for “Notre Salut,” which explores the collaboration of the French administration under Vichy. The film captures the protagonist’s gradual descent into active collaboration with the Nazis. The film was praised for its unique storytelling approach and honest portrayal of history.

The Camera d’Or was awarded to Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo for “Ben’imana,” addressing the memory of the Rwandan genocide through the reconciliation process. The Presidents of the Jury and the Palme d’Or du Court-Métrage were also awarded.

Barbra Streisand received the Honorary Palme d’Or but could not attend due to a foot injury. Isabelle Huppert paid tribute to the actress, praising her for her distinguished career.