Last movies

American director Terrence Malick’s ‘Tree of Life’ took the Palme D’Or while the Grand Prix was shared by Jean Pierre and Luc Dardenne’s “The Kid with a Bike” and Nuri Bilge Ceylan’s “Once Upon A Time In Anataolia”. The ever-reclusive Malick was not present to accept his award with his producer Bill Pohlad explained “He is personally a very humble guy, a very shy guy.”

The jury of Cannes Festival of this year was presided by Robert De Niro and includes also Jude Law and Uma Thurman. De Niro said of ‘Tree of Life’, “Most of us felt that it was the movie.”

Director Carlos Assayas was also on the jury and hinted at Von Trier’s exclusion. He said, “I think we all agree in condemning the press conference of Lars Von Trier. But (Melancholia) is a great work of art.”

Von Trier’s film did get a look-in however, with Kirsten Dunst being awarded the best actress award, perhaps obtaining favor from the jury over her visible disbelief of Lars Von Trier’s “I’m a Nazi” comments. The best actor award was handed to French Actor Jean Dujardin for his silent portrayal of a 1920s film star in ‘The Artist’.

The audience favourite “Drive” was awarded best director for Nicolas Winding Refn while best screenplay went to Israeli director Joseph Cedar for “Hearat Shulayim”.

The prizes were rounded out with the Camera d’Or going to ‘Las Acacias by Pablo Gorgelli who was awarded for his first feature and the jury prize was awarded to ‘Polisse’ by Maiwenn. See you next year and au revoir.