"In July 1938, a Nazi propaganda film helped inspire Philippe Erlanger to create a new film festival. He was one of many who were displeased that Leni Riefenstahl's Olympia and Goffredo Alessandrini's Luciano Serra, Pilot took home the Mussolini Cup at the Venice Mostra due to pressure from Hitler. Erlanger endeavored to create a fair competition based on merit, not politics."
"The first event was supposed to happen on September 1, 1939, but Germany invaded Poland and World War II was officially declared two days later. The Cannes Film Festival was put on the back burner until peace could be obtained. The first festival would have included films such as The Wizard of Oz by Victor Fleming and Union Pacific by Cecil B. DeMille."
"Six years later, in 1946, 19 countries finally participated, and Georges Huisman led the international jury. Every nation was awarded a Grand Prix as the world continued to heal from war. America's entry was Billy Wilder's The Lost Weekend."
"Fast-forward to 2026, and 2,541 feature films were submitted for consideration. Twenty-two will be up for the coveted Palme d'Or. South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook will preside over the jury that will decide the victor. Other members include director Chloé Zhao, actress Demi Moore, and actor Stellan Skarsgård. There are only two American entries in the competition category of films this year."
The Cannes Film Festival was inspired by dissatisfaction with politically influenced awards in other European film events. Philippe Erlanger aimed to create a competition based on merit rather than politics. The first planned festival in 1939 was delayed by World War II, and the event resumed after peace returned. In 1946, 19 countries participated, with Georges Huisman leading the international jury and every nation receiving a Grand Prix. In 2026, 2,541 feature films were submitted, and 22 films will compete for the Palme d'Or. Park Chan-wook will preside over the jury, joined by Chloé Zhao, Demi Moore, and Stellan Skarsgård. Only two American entries are in the competition, including Paper Tiger, added after the initial announcement.
Read at Fast Company
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