The Cannes Film Festival has long been considered the starting block for many films that later dominate the award circuits, including the Oscars. As the 77th edition of this prestigious festival concluded under the stewardship of jury president Greta Gerwig, it was evident that the winning films were not just celebrating their triumphs, but also eyeing future success at the 2025 Oscars.
This year’s Palme d’Or was awarded to Sean Baker for his film “Anora,” a momentous win that puts the film in the limelight for next year’s award season. The festival not only honors the creativity and excellence of the present but also forecasts the narrative and stylistic trends that will likely shape the film industry’s discourse in the coming months. With the focus on inclusivity and innovation, the films recognized at Cannes this year reflect the changing ethos in global cinema.
Director Sean Baker’s win for “Anora” adds another feather in the cap for distributor Neon. Neon has made a remarkable mark at Cannes with its predictive streak, following the wins of “Parasite” (2019), “Titane” (2021), “Triangle of Sadness” (2022), and “Anatomy of a Fall” (2023). This streak is unprecedented, marking five consecutive Palme d’Or wins for Neon. Such a record significantly boosts “Anora’s” campaign heading towards the Oscars, given the historical success of previous Neon-distributed films, including “Parasite,” which not only won the Palme d’Or but also made history by clinching the Best Picture Oscar.
The win by Payal Kapadia’s film “All We Imagine as Light,” receiving the Grand Prix, highlights a major milestone for Indian cinema. It is the first Indian film in three decades to compete in the main competition at Cannes and the first Indian female-directed film to do so. Historically, the Grand Prix winner often signals Oscar potential, having produced multiple nominations and wins over the years. Kapadia’s film is now a strong contender for India’s submission in the Best International Feature Film category.
Jacques Audiard’s film “Emilia Pérez,” which won the Jury Prize, discusses themes surrounding gender identity with a compelling narrative led by standout performances from Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, and Selena Gomez.
. While the Jury Prize does not consistently predict Oscar outcome, “Emilia Pérez” might resonate well with the Academy’s evolving focus on diversity and representation, potentially positioning it for Mexico’s official submission.
Miguel Gomes winning the Best Director award for “Grand Tour” offers another intriguing prospect. While Cannes’ Best Director winners aren’t always a direct predictor of Oscar nominations, the quality of Gomes’ storytelling hints at the possibility of a breakthrough, much like previous winners Alejandro González Iñárritu for “Babel” and Joel Coen for “Fargo.”
The screenplay award at Cannes went to Coralie Fargeat’s “The Substance,” which provides another robust contender for the upcoming Oscars. The success of past Cannes Best Screenplay winners at the Oscars bolsters Fargeat’s chances. With its strong narrative featuring Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid, it stands a solid chance in the Original Screenplay category at next year’s Academy Awards.
Jesse Plemons, who won the Best Actor accolade for his role in “Kinds of Kindness,” positions himself as a strong contender for an Oscar nod. The history of Cannes Best Actor winners translating their successes into Oscar nominations is rich, with Plemons likely following suit, considering his versatility showcased in Yorgos Lanthimos’ film.
Lastly, Mohammad Rasoulof’s “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” awarded a Special Prize, faces a more complex journey towards the Oscars. Films receiving special mentions at Cannes often have a limited footprint at the Oscars. However, Rasoulof’s compelling backstory of filming under oppression in Iran provides a poignant narrative that could capture the Academy’s attention, much like Michael Moore’s “Bowling for Columbine.”
As Cannes draws its curtains for another year, it leaves an indelible impact on the films that will shape cinematic discussions and accolades in the near future. While the conversion of these festival wins into Oscar gold remains to be seen, the deeply rooted influence of Cannes continues to position its victors as formidable contenders on the global stage.
