Cannes Film Festival 2024: Standout Moments

By Rebecca Whitlocke

The 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival was held from May 14 to 25, 2024.  From its inception, the Festival de Cannes, has been a celebration of cinematic brilliance and a convergence of international talent, redefining the landscape of global cinema.

Standing as one of the “Big Five” major international film festivals, alongside Berlin, Toronto, Sundance and Venice, Cannes has evolved into one of the world’s most widely publicised cultural events, captivating cinephiles and industry professionals alike.

Rebecca Whitlocke, on behalf of Luxury News Online, was there to capture the news from the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès to Critics’ Week.

Screen Highlights From the 2024 Cannes Film Festival

From the main competition to Un Certain Regard and Directors’ Fortnight, Cannes celebrated diverse genres and storytelling from renowned directors alongside emerging filmmakers. The festival’s heart, the Palme d’Or, the most prestigious accolade for Best Film, was awarded to Sean Baker’s ‘Anora,’ a joyful moment presided over by Jury President and esteemed director Greta Gerwig.

The Grand Prix, presented by Viola Davis, went to Payal Kapadia’s ‘All We Imagine as Light’, a tale of female friendships set in Mumbai, breaking a 30-year Indian film hiatus in Cannes competition. The Jury Prize went to Jacques Audiard’s Mexican crime musical ‘Emilia Pérez’, with the stars winning the Best Actress ensemble.

One highlight everyone could agree on was George Lucas, who picked up an honorary Palme d’Or for his contribution to cinema, from his first  feature, ‘THX-1138′, which screened at the Directors’ Fortnight back in 1971, to the iconic Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises.

Body horror and gore genres weren’t forgotten. Coralie Fargeat’s ‘The Substance’ claimed Best Screenplay, while British actor and filmmaker Sean Cronin’s vampire road movie ‘Bogieville’ produced by Djonny Chen for Silent D Pictures, along with Cronin for Magnificent Films, was igniting market interest after a preview at the Fantastic Pavilion.

Timeless Elegance on the Red Carpet

The festival’s longstanding tradition of being closely associated with the fashion industry came to life as renowned ateliers and designers vied for the opportunity to dress A-list stars, showcasing their craftsmanship and creating unforgettable couture moments. The Cannes red carpet, gala dinners, and networking events served as a sartorial nexus, captivating journalists, influencers, and customers worldwide with exclusive appearances from designers and jewellery brands.

A singular appearance at Cannes has the potential to propel a brand into the spotlight, garnering global acclaim. Head-turning fashion moments during the Festival de Cannes came courtesy of Balenciaga, Eman Al Ajlan, Gabrielle Fenech, Georges Hobeika, Qeelin, Pasquale Bruni, Pomellato jewellery and Stellarissa.

“Cannes 2024 was absolutely fantastic, “ enthused Tracy Lamourie from Lamourie Media. “The networking opportunities and meetings about making movies at the Marche,  connecting with like-minded creatives and industry titans over cocktails at the Carlton, meetings old friends and making new ones.  As crazy as it gets, between the palm trees lit up on La Croisette at night, the stunning gowns and the way all the men around you carry themselves while wearing tuxes… the old world glam is unsurpassed…you can’t help but feel like you’re walking in around in an intricately designed set.  Cannes is not to be missed – looking forward to doing the Cannes-Cannes all over again next year!”

Charity Galas At Cannes Film Festival 2024

While the focus of the Festival de Cannes remains on filmmaking, it also embraces a philanthropic community dedicated to backing charitable initiatives through advocacy, awareness, and fundraising.

Forbes held their “No More Plastic” Auction Gala Dinner Party, while the 10th Global Gift Gala raised funds for the Global Gift Foundation.  The Knights of Charity Gala at Palm Beach hosted esteemed guests and featured exclusive auction lots, including a personal tour for two of Ferrari headquarters by Lapo Elkan and a chance to test drive a supercar, a day on set with Andy Garcia, a private paddleboarding lesson with Eva Longoria and a rare oil and pencil sketch by Paul Klee. This year’s beneficiaries included Brasil Foundation represented by Giselle Bundchen, Global Gift Foundation represented by Eva Longoria, Knights of Charity Goodwill Ambassador Sarah’s Trust represented by Sarah Ferguson, DeliverFund, Hilandar 4 Humanity, Laps Foundation and Flyeralarm Kids Foundation.

Lastly, collective action and donations continued at the amfAR Gala Cannes, also known as Cinema against AIDS, that took place on May 23 continuing its fundraising ethos during the Cannes Film Festival since 1993.

Photo Credits:  R Whitlocke, T. Lamourie, Lamourie Media