Cannes: Amour (Love), a heart-wrenching story of an old couple’s struggle with death, won Austrian director Michael Haneke his second Palme d’Ore, the top prize at the Cannes film festival. The nine member jury, headed by Nanni Moretti, selected the film from 21 other strong entries for the big prize. Haneke won the Palme d’Or for ‘The White Ribbon’ in 2009.
“I thank my wife, who has been putting up with me for years. This film is in part an illustration of the promise that we made to each other. A big thank you to my two actors. They are the essence of this film,” the 70-year-old director said as he took the stage with film’s lead actors Jean-Louis Trintignant and Emmanuelle Riva amid a standing ovation. 81-year-old Trintignant, plays a Parisian husband caring for his dying wife, played by 85-year-old Riva. Both are iconic figures in French cinema.
Festival’s second prize, the Grand Prix was awarded to Matteo Garrone for his film Reality. Another festival favourite, Ken Loach, won the Jury Prize for his The Angels’ Share.
“I am very moved. I would like to share this prize with everyone who loves the cinema and with all those who were involved, near and far, with this film,” Mikkelsen said while accepting the trophy. The best actress prize went to the duo of Cosmina Stratan and Cristina Flutur for Cristian Mungiu’s Beyond the Hills.
The Camera d’Or prize for best first film was awarded to Beasts of the Southern Wild. Directed by Benh Zeitlin, the film also won the Fipresci Prize. (PTI)