Cannes

Cannes Lions Controversy: Inside the Jury Room with Ndeye Diagne After DM9’s Creative Data Grand Prix Withdrawal

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CANNES, France — Ndeye Diagne, chief growth officer at Kantar France, was one of the jurors awarded the Creative Data Grand Prix at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. However, that recognition shifted dramatically when the honor was rescinded due to accusations of AI manipulation in the entry from DM9. Diagne, part of a 10-member jury, initially celebrated the Grand Prix bestowed upon the “Efficient Way to Pay” campaign created for Whirlpool’s Consul brand. The experience was a career highlight for her, but subsequent revelations about the campaign’s legitimacy led her to reflect on … Read more

"Documentary Triumphs: Déni Oumar Pitsaev’s Imago Takes Top Honors at Cannes, While Jarecki’s The Six Billion Dollar Man Shines with Special Jury Prize"

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CANNES, France — Déni Oumar Pitsaev’s documentary Imago won the prestigious L’Oeil d’or prize, the highest accolade for nonfiction films at the Cannes Film Festival. The award was revealed during a ceremony at the Palais des Festivals, where filmmaker Eugene Jarecki’s The Six Billion Dollar Man, depicting the story of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, received a Special Jury Prize. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the L’Oeil d’or prize. Both directors made appearances for the award announcement. Pitsaev, visibly surprised by his recognition, remarked on the challenge he might face transporting the award trophy … Read more

Cannes Sensation ‘A Poet’ Captures North American Rights, Set for Theatrical Debut

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CANNES, France — The fledgling distribution company 1-2 Special announced on Thursday it has secured North American rights to “A Poet,” a film that garnered the Un Certain Regard jury prize at the Cannes Film Festival. The film, directed by Simón Mesa Soto, tells the story of a struggling writer who becomes a mentor to a young poet, learning valuable life lessons along the way. The narrative unfolds against the vibrant backdrop of Medellín, Colombia, and features a cast primarily composed of non-professional actors, including Ubeimar Rios, Rebeca Andrade, and Guillermo Cardona. The film’s production … Read more

"BBC Film Triumphs at Cannes 2025: Four Films, Four Honors, and Rising UK Talent Steal the Spotlight"

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CANNES, France — Four films supported by BBC Film captured attention at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, each earning accolades from the jury. The lineup included three debut features created by UK filmmakers, showcasing a mix of narratives that explore familial relationships, identity, and personal struggles. Joachim Trier’s “Sentimental Value” received the prestigious Grand Prix award, highlighting its sensitive portrayal of family dynamics. The film stars Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Elle Fanning, drawing audiences into a story of complex relationships marked by unexpected reconnections. Akinola Davies Jnr’s “My Father’s Shadow,” the … Read more