The Cannes Film Festival is a beacon of prestige in the world of cinema, offering filmmakers and actors a chance to etch their names into history. Winning an award at Cannes, particularly the revered Palme d’Or, is a momentous occasion that can transform careers and amplify creative works. As the 2025 Cannes Film Festival approaches, the anticipation builds, and past winners reflect on the sheer magnitude of this achievement.
The Pinnacle of Achievement
For Quentin Tarantino, winning the Palme d’Or for Pulp Fiction in 1994 remains the crowning glory of his career.
“Of all the trophies that I have won, it’s the one that has the biggest place of honor inside of my house. It’s the one I want another one of, maybe someday, before they turn out the lights,” he shared. Tarantino’s words highlight how Cannes represents not just recognition, but a lifetime milestone for those in the film industry.
Humble Reflections
Jonathan Glazer, who won the Grand Prix in 2023 for The Zone of Interest, focused not on himself, but on the reach the prize brings to his work.
“It’s very good for the film,” he said, emphasizing the boost it provides in connecting with audiences worldwide. For Glazer, the honor represents a broader opportunity to ensure his story resonates across borders and generations.
A Place in History
Swedish director Ruben Östlund made Cannes history with two Palme d’Or wins for The Square (2017) and Triangle of Sadness (2022). Reflecting on the achievement, he remarked,
“The first time, it can be an accident, but the second time…you’re part of a history of cinema.” This rare accomplishment cements Östlund’s legacy among the festival’s most celebrated talents.
Unexpected Triumphs
Not all winners expect to hear their names called. Joaquin Phoenix, honored with Best Actor for You Were Never Really Here in 2017, admitted his disbelief.
“I told my girlfriend it was going to be humbling to get crushed, and then this happened,” he joked. Caleb Landry Jones, recognized for Nitram in 2021, shared a similar sentiment, expressing both pride in his film and astonishment at the caliber of competition.
The Surreal Experience
German actress Sandra Hüller, a recent Palme d’Or recipient, described her experience as almost otherworldly.
“It’s unexplainable. It’s unreal and yet it’s real. It’s the best thing that can happen,” she said, capturing the overwhelming emotion of being recognized on one of cinema’s grandest stages.
A Personal Connection
For Antonio Banderas, his 2019 win for Pain and Glory carried deep personal meaning. Working under Pedro Almodóvar, the director who discovered him decades earlier, added an emotional layer to the honor.
“To receive it directed by the person I started making movies with forty years ago…it’s mind-blowing,” Banderas reflected.
Shared Glory
In 2013, Cannes made history by awarding the Palme d’Or to not just the director of Blue is the Warmest Color, but also its stars, Lea Seydoux and Adele Exarchopoulos. Lea remarked,
“We made the film together. It’s amazing, and we’re very proud because we gave so much.” This moment showcased Cannes’ recognition of collaborative artistry.
Cannes remains a place where the dreams of filmmakers and performers come to life, with each win symbolizing a unique story of dedication, creativity, and impact. As the 78th edition of the festival unfolds, the world waits to see who will step into the spotlight and claim their place in its storied legacy. To all the nominees, bonne chance!
