Cannes Film Festival

The Cannes Film Festival, established in 1938, is an annual film festival held in Cannes, France, which previews new films from around the world, including documentaries, in all genres. The festival is renowned globally and is held at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. The festival has its origins in the proposal of high-ranking official Philippe Erlanger, film journalist Robert Favre Le Bret, and Jean Zay, the French Minister of National Education, to set up an international cinematographic festival. It is one of the "Big Five" film festivals, known for providing artistic freedom to filmmakers.

The Palme d'Or, a symbol of the Festival de Cannes, has been awarded to the best film in the Official Competition for over 60 years. The Palme's design was selected by Robert Favre Le Bret, then Delegate General, from submissions by several jewellers in 1954. The original design was by the renowned jewellery creator Lucienne Lazon, featuring a bevelled lower extremity of the stem forming a heart and a pedestal sculpture by the celebrated artist Sébastien. The first Palme d'Or was awarded in 1955 to Delbert Mann for his film "Marty".

The Palme d'Or is presented in a case of pure red morocco leather, lined with white suede, and was reintroduced in 1975, becoming the enduring symbol of the Festival de Cannes. In 1992, Thierry de Bourqueney redesigned the Palme and its pedestal in hand-cut crystal. The Palme d'Or has been awarded to female directors twice, first to Jane Campion for "The Piano" in 1993 and then to Julia Ducournau for "Titane" in 2021.

The Palme d'Or is presented in a case of blue morocco leather and is made of 24-carat gold, hand-cast into a wax mould, and affixed to a cushion of a single piece of cut crystal. The Palme is donated every year by Chopard Jewellers, which now also makes two versions of the Palme for the Best Actor and Best Actress prizes.

The Cannes Film Festival is one of the most prestigious film festivals globally, showcasing new films and providing artistic freedom to filmmakers. The Palme d'Or, the festival's most coveted award, has been a symbol of cinematic excellence for over 60 years, with a rich history and design evolution.