From the Cannes Stage, Zvyagintsev Makes a Direct Appeal to Putin

The 79th Cannes International Film Festival

According to Главком: The 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival has come to a close in the south of France. Its biggest highlight was the awarding of the Palme d'Or to Romanian director Cristian Mungiu for his film 'Fiord.' This drama follows a family of Romanian Evangelists who relocate to Norway, starring Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve. This marks Mungiu's second Palme d'Or win, his first coming in 2007 for '4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days.'

Festival Awards

The festival's Grand Prix went to 'Minotaur,' directed by Andrey Zvyagintsev. A Russian exile, Zvyagintsev condemned the war following the full-scale invasion and left Russia. He now resides in Paris. 'Minotaur' is a drama about the head of a Russian company whose life unravels after the 2022 mobilization. From the stage, Zvyagintsev addressed the President of the Russian Federation, stating:

“Millions of people on both sides of the front line dream of only one thing: for the slaughter to finally stop. And the only person who can stop this bloodshed is the President of the Russian Federation.” - Andrey Zvyagintsev

'Minotaur' also took home the award for Best Soundtrack. As for other honors, the Best Director prize was shared by Javier Ambrosi and Javier Calvo for 'La Bola Negra,' and Paweł Pawlikowski for 'Fatherland.' Pawlikowski commented that 'cinema should reflect the political situation, but not on anyone's orders. Art needs a space of freedom.'

A Ukrainian documentary about Russia's invasion also won an award during the festival, with its director receiving $46,000 for her next project. The 2026 Cannes Film Festival will open with the participation of 88-year-old American actress Jane Fonda.

Here is the full list of winners from the 79th Cannes Film Festival:

• Palme d'Or: 'Fiord,' Cristian Mungiu
• Grand Prix: 'Minotaur,' Andrey Zvyagintsev
• Jury Prize: 'A Ghostly Adventure,' Valeska Grisebach
• Best Director: Ambrosi & Calvo ('La Bola Negra'), Pawlikowski ('Fatherland')
• Best Actor: Valentin Campagne & Emmanuel Macchia ('Coward')
• Best Actress: Virginie Efira & Tao Okamoto ('Suddenly')
• Best Screenplay: Emmanuel Mar ('A Man of His Time')
• Camera d'Or: 'Ben'Imana,' Marie Clémentine Dusabejambo.

The Cannes Film Festival remains one of the world's most prestigious cinematic events, annually spotlighting critical social and political issues through film. Its awards reflect the growing role of filmmakers in addressing urgent topics like war and exile. The Ukrainian film's win also underscores the importance of supporting cinema amid conflict, sparking further interest in the international trajectory of Ukrainian filmmaking.

In addition to Zvyagintsev's powerful message, the festival showcased a significant Ukrainian film, highlighting the harsh realities of life in occupied territories. This film, offers a poignant perspective on the ongoing conflict and its impact on civilians, further emphasizing the urgent need for dialogue and resolution in the region.