The 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival concluded with a bang, leaving audiences and critics buzzing about potential Oscar contenders. With last year’s Cannes premieres going on to receive best picture nominations, the question on everyone’s mind is whether this year’s crop of films has the same potential.
Sean Baker’s “Anora” took home the prestigious Palme d’Or, continuing Neon’s streak of producing award-worthy films. The raucous comedy about a Brooklyn stripper who marries into Russian wealth has already positioned itself as a strong contender for the upcoming awards season.
In a surprise move, the best actress award was split four ways, with the ensemble cast of the musical “Emilia Pérez” taking home the honors. Selena Gomez now has a Cannes trophy under her belt, while Zoe Saldaña and Karla Sofía Gascón are being touted as potential Oscar nominees.
Netflix has picked up “Emilia Pérez” and is expected to give it a significant awards push, although the streamer’s influence could have its drawbacks. The film’s unique blend of genres may make it a tough sell theatrically, but its streaming debut could lead to meme-worthy moments that may impact its reputation.
Other standout performances at Cannes include Jesse Plemons in “Kinds of Kindness” and Demi Moore in “The Substance,” both of whom are garnering attention for their roles. Despite not winning any awards, films like “The Apprentice” and “Megalopolis” are hoping to make a comeback in the awards race.
“Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” which debuted out of competition, is expected to be a strong contender in technical categories, while “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” faces challenges due to its controversial subject matter.
Overall, this year’s Cannes Film Festival has set the stage for an exciting awards season, with a diverse range of films and performances vying for Oscar recognition. Only time will tell which movies will ultimately make the cut, but one thing is for sure – the competition is fierce.
