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In the tragicomedy “Anora,” the American Baker tells the story of a self-confident striptease dancer. He dedicates his award to “all sex workers.”
Cannes – With his tragicomedy “Anora”, the US director Sean Baker has won the Golden Palm at the Cannes Film Festival. The jury announced this yesterday evening.
The film, which tells the story of a confident striptease dancer in New York, beat out 21 other films in competition. The decision was made by a jury chaired by director Greta Gerwig.
The jury honored “Anora” as an “incredibly human film,” said Gerwig. It is a film “that captured our hearts, that made us laugh, that gave us endless hope, that broke our hearts and never lost sight of the truth.”
Fast-paced winning film with lots of humor
“Anora” is about the striptease dancer Ani, who meets the son of a Russian oligarch named Vanya in New York. In youthful carefreeness, the boy marries Ani after only a few days – much to the dismay of his parents, who do everything in their power to reverse this. The focus is on Ani (Mikey Madison), who confidently pursues her goals. The fast-paced film impresses with great actors, unexpected twists and lots of humor.
After the news of the wedding reaches Vanya’s parents, who live in Russia, they instruct their local helpers to annul the marriage. A helpless trio of three men show up at Vanya’s property – and he runs away. When Ani and I try to catch him again, all sorts of funny situations arise.
Baker dedicated the film to “all sex workers” at the awards ceremony. He hopes his films help to reduce the stigma of sex work. On stage, the 53-year-old said of his award: “This has literally been my only goal as a filmmaker for the last 30 years. So I’m not sure what I’m going to do with the rest of my life.”
Special prize for Iranian refugee Mohammed Rassulof
The Iranian director Mohammed Rassulof received a special jury prize for “The Seed of the Sacred Fig”. But the greatest triumph was probably that he was able to accept his award in person. Rassulof was recently sentenced to several years in prison. A few days ago he fled from Iran to Germany, and on Friday he came to Cannes for the premiere of his film.
While the Iranian authorities were determined to prevent the release of his new film, Rassulof was applauded for it in Cannes. The film is set in autumn 2022, when the death of Iranian Kurd Jina Mahsa Amini sparked massive protests in Iran. It focuses on a family whose members react very differently to the protests.
Indian director wins second most important award
The Grand Jury Prize, the festival’s second most important award, went to “All We Imagine as Light” by Indian director Payal Kapadia. The 38-year-old’s film follows several women who try to navigate their everyday lives in Mumbai and bond with one another in the process.
Frenchman Jacques Audiard received the Jury Prize for “Emilia Pérez”. The musical tells the story of a Mexican cartel boss who undergoes gender reassignment and then tries to atone for past crimes.
Four women share award for best actress
This year, the award for best actress is shared by four women: It went to actresses Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldana, Selena Gomez and Adriana Paz for their roles in “Emilia Pérez”. Gascón is the first trans woman to receive the award. “This award is not just for me, but for all people who fight for themselves and their rights,” said the 52-year-old.
Jesse Plemons was named best actor for his role in “Kinds of Kindness” by Giorgos Lanthimos. Miguel Gomes won the award for best director for “Grand Tour”.
Coralie Fargeat was honored for best screenplay with “The Substance.” Her body horror film, starring Demi Moore, is about the devastating effects that beauty obsession can have.
Honorary Palm to George Lucas
“Star Wars” creator George Lucas was awarded a Golden Palm of Honor. An old friend and another cinema veteran gave the laudation on stage: Francis Ford Coppola, whose new film was in competition at the film festival. Not only he and Lucas’ many friends, but the whole world was proud to honor him, said Coppola. Lucas, in turn, called Coppola “a great friend, a brother and a mentor.” dpa
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