Each May, the French Riviera hosts one of the world’s most prestigious and glamorous film events: the Cannes Festival. This iconic festival is a highlight of both the international film calendar and French cultural life.
The origins of Cannes Festival
Cannes Festival, founded in 1946, was created as a response to political interference at the Venice Film Festival in the 1930s. Its mission was to champion artistic freedom and international collaboration through the universal language of cinema.
Since its inaugural edition, Cannes has grown into a global platform for filmmakers. Despite a few interruptions over the years, the festival remains a celebrated annual event that continues to evolve alongside the world of film.
Official selection
At the heart of the Cannes Festival is the official selection, a carefully curated program of films chosen by the festival’s selection committee. Being included in the official selection is one of the highest honors a filmmaker can receive.
The selection is divided into several distinct sections, each showcasing different styles and perspectives:
- In competition: Films competing for the top prizes, including the Palme d’or
- Out of competition: High-profile screenings not competing for awards
- Un certain regard: A spotlight on bold, innovative, or emerging talent
- Midnight screenings: Genre films and cult favorites with a unique energy
- Cannes première: Works from well-known directors presented without competition
- Special screenings: Films with cultural, historical, or social significance
See 2025 official selection: https://www.festival-cannes.com/en/press/press-releases/the-films-of-the-official-selection-2025/
Major awards
Winning an award at Cannes can have a transformative effect on a film’s success and an artist’s career.
The key prizes awarded include:
- Palme d’or: Best film in competition
- Grand Prix: Jury’s second-highest honor
- Jury Prize: Recognition for originality or boldness
- Best Director, Actor, and Actress: Celebrating individual artistic achievement
France has a long-standing presence at Cannes, with numerous films and artists receiving top honors.
Palme d’or:
- La Vie d’Adèle (2013) – Abdellatif Kechiche
- Dheepan (2015) – Jacques Audiard
- Titane (2021) – Julia Ducournau
- Amour (2012) – Michael Haneke
- Entre les murs (2008) – Laurent Cantet
Best actor and actress:
- Léa Seydoux – La Vie d’Adèle (2013)
- Adèle Exarchopoulos – La Vie d’Adèle (2013)
- Vincent Lindon – La Loi du marché (2015)
- Isabelle Adjani – Possession & Quartet (1981)
- Isabelle Huppert – La Pianiste (2001), Elle (2016)
- Juliette Binoche – Copie conforme (2010)
- Catherine Deneuve – Le Dernier Métro (1980)
- Marion Cotillard – Deux jours, une nuit (2014)
Maître de cérémonie
One of the most anticipated figures of the festival is the Maître de Cérémonie—the official host of the opening and closing ceremonies. The Maître de Cérémonie plays a key part in welcoming the international jury and introducing the President of the Jury. They guide the audience through important moments of the official selection and host the much-anticipated awards ceremony on closing night.
Over the years, respected French figures such as Edouard Baer, Virginie Efira, Lambert Wilson, and Chiara Mastroianni have brought style and personality to the role. For the 2025 edition, Laurent Lafitte, a celebrated French actor and comedian, will serve as host.
Cultural and economic impact
The Cannes Festival has a lasting impact not just on cinema, but on the city of Cannes and the surrounding region. Each year, thousands of filmmakers, journalists, tourists, and celebrities flood the area—bringing a significant boost to the local economy.
Hotels, restaurants, boutiques, and transport services across Cannes, Nice, Antibes, and even Monaco benefit from the festival’s international draw. Beyond its economic influence, the event enhances the French Riviera’s reputation as a hub for culture, networking, and creative exchange.
Experience Cannes Festival while learning French
Are you passionate about cinema and dreaming of experiencing the Cannes Festival in person? Why not make it a cultural and educational journey?
With Go! Go! France, you can study French in Nice while enjoying the magic of the festival just a short train ride away. Our partner school offers immersive language courses, cultural activities, and a flexible schedule, giving you time to explore the French Riviera and take in the festive atmosphere of Cannes. Contact us for more information.
