A movie poster for the debut film Inside "Llewyn Davis." The film features Carey Mulligan as well as Justin Timberlake, and was directed by the Coen brothers. (Photo courtesy of Cannes Film Festival)It was a Hollywood takeover at the 66th annual Cannes Film Festival on the French Riviera, with multiple red carpet appearances by prominent artists and over-the-top couture attire, which undoubtedly sets the standard for red carpet fashion for the upcoming year. The festival, which took place from May 15 to 26, also marked the beginning of a new year for films and speculation for possible Oscar-worthy movies.
Awards were distributed on the basis of best film, best screenplay and best director. Cannes is the last festival to shy away from harsh criticism: any film has the potential to be flop and get booed by audiences. During Ryan Gosling’s new thriller, “Only God Forgives," much of the audience ended up leaving while the rest booed away. Only the very best received standing ovations and recognition from the jury, which included Nicole Kidman, Steven Spielberg and Christoph Waltz this year.
Some of the most recognizable screenings included Baz Luhrmann’s “The Great Gatsby,” Sofia Coppola’s “Bling Ring” starring Emma Watson, Steven Soderbergh’s “Behind the Candelabra” starring Matt Damon, the Coen brothers' “Inside Llewyn Davis” and James Franco’s “As I lay Dying.”
Although none of the films named above, with the exception of “Inside Llewyn Davis,” won a significant award, they are now front-and-center for Oscar season.
The award for best film went to “La Vie d’Adele – Chapitre 1 & 2,” also known as “Blue is the Warmest Color,” directed by Abdellatif Kechiche. Despite its long string of explicit scenes and controversial themes, “Blue is the Warmest Color” is a film adaption that tells the story of two female lovers in their early teens and their newfound sexual freedom. The film received rave reviews with The Times describing it as, "One of the most beautifully and obtrusively observed love stories I’ve seen on film.”
Earning a third place award was “Like Father, Like Son” by Japanese director Hirokazu Koreeda. The film tells the story of two Asian families that discover that one of their offspring was switched at birth. “Like Father, Like Son” had so much success at the festival that Sundance Selects has already acquired the rights to distribute the foreign film in the U.S.
Mexico's Amat Escalante took the Best Director Award for his film, "Heli," which is a take on “contemporary” Mexico and injustices such as human trafficking, drugs and hardcore violence.
“Inside Llewyn Davis,” starring Carey Mulligan, Oscar Isaac and Justin Timberlake, won the runner-up award for best film. The story is a compilation of music, comedy and other dark elements and is likely to cater to college-age groups.
“A Touch of Sin” by Chinese director Jia Zhangke took the award for best screenplay. The film depicts the corruption and exploitation that has a huge presence in China and is based on the true stories of four people who will do anything to survive. The situation is so horrible that when the trailer was released, it was doubted that the film had any probability of making it onto the big screen in the country.
The invitation-only affair did not fail to deliver. Fantastic performances and story lines have given the film industry new material on which to feast its sweet tooth. Film season is here again, and possible Oscar nominee rumors will soon begin to circulate.
Reach reporter at rlopez@asu.edu or follow on Twitter @RosieLopez14
