Basterds Headlines Cannes

(NEWSER) - Michael Haneke’s The White Ribbon took the top prize at Cannes today, while Lars Von Triers’ controversial Antichrist was vindicated with a Best Actress award for Charlotte Gainsbourg, the AP reports. French film A Prophet won second place, with Fish Tank and Thirst tying for third. Christoph Waltz took Best Actor for his portrayal of a Nazi in Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds. More»

Economic woes put the breaks on Croisette craziness

(NEWSER) - The Cannes Film Festival opens tomorrow with a screening of the new Pixar film Up, but this year the glitzy two-week movie fest on the French Riviera may be a low-key affair, writes the Hollywood Reporter. Yachts have gone unrented, Vanity Fair has canceled its annual party, and movie execs are anxious about the dealmaking that takes place around the festival. More»

Controversial film drew gasps, boos

(NEWSER) - Lars von Trier’s Antichrist quickly became the most talked-about film at Cannes, eliciting audience reactions that ran the gamut from laughter to applause to boos at its screening last night, Reuters reports. The film, which one critic called “offensive,” features graphic sexual mutilation and a talking fox, among other questionable elements. Willem Dafoe and Charlotte Gainsbourg star as a couple who go to a remote cabin to wrestle with the grief of losing their only child. More»

Del Toro grabs Bests Actor for Che

(NEWSER) - Laurent Cantet's The Class walked away with Cannes' prestigious Palm D'Or today, the final day of competition, reports the Hollywood Reporter. It was the first time a French film had claimed the prize since 1987. Cannes Jury President Sean Penn followed the announcement with a list of largely sleeper candidates. Among them: More»

Gus Van Sant wins special Cannes 60th anniversary award

(NEWSER) - A disturbing Romanian film about two college coeds trying to get an illegal abortion in the twilight days of the communist regime won this year's Palme d'Or at the Cannes film festival yesterday. The low-budget 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days was a critical favorite at the festival, known for bizarre judging. More»