At last night’s closing ceremonies for the 2012 Cannes Film Festival, the Palme d’Or, the greatest honour in the film festival world, was given out to 70 year old Michael Haneke for his film Amour. This is his second time winning the award, accepting the honour in 2009 for The White Ribbon.
Haneke took to the stage the stars of his film, 81 year old Jean-Louis Trintignant, and 85 year old Emmanuelle Riva, to “share” his award. Following a lengthy standing ovation, the three old crusties all made acceptance speeches, praising each other and the film — a film which was raved about all week in Cannes.
Old and busted: young people. New hotness: old people.
But little did Haneke know that he was breaking grave Cannes law. According to festival rules, the award cannot be combined or shared with any other person.
The prize list must not contain more than one joint award. The Palme d’Or can never be awarded jointly. No film can receive more than one award. However, the award for the Best Screenplay and the Jury Prize can be combined with a Best Performance award, on special dispensation of the Festival’s President.
But screw it. Haneke is 70 years old and still one of the great filmmakers, and it was actually quite delightful to see him share the honour with a couple of wily old fossils. Film, much like general society, doesn’t tend to pay much attention to the elderly, and a film focusing on an older, wiser generation is a welcome change. Even if these recipients won’t remember any of it tomorrow.
Palme d’Or: Michael Haneke Amour
Grand Prix: Matteo Garrone Reality
Best Actress (tie): Cosmina Straten & Cristina Flutur, Beyond the Hills
Best Actor: Mads Mikkelsen The Hunt
Best Director: Carlos Reygadas Post Tenebras Lux
Cannes Prix De Scenario (screenplay): Cristian Mungiu Beyond the Hills
Jury Prize: Ken Loach The Angels’ Share
Caméra d’or: Benh Zeitlin Beasts of the Southern Wild
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