Belgium shines at the Cannes Film Festival

At the 75th Cannes Film Festival, Lukas Dhont won the Grand Prix for 'Close'. Several other Belgians also won prizes: 'Le otto montagne' by Felix Van Groeningen and Charlotte Vandermeersch won the jury prize, and the Dardenne brothers received a special anniversary prize.

High days for the Belgian film industry, as no less than 3 of the 21 films competing for the Golden Palm in Cannes this year were made in Belgium. Close', the second feature by Lukas Dhont, was one of the favourites to win the Golden Palm. Unfortunately for the Belgian, it was the Swedish director Ruben Ostlund who won the first prize with his film 'Triangle of Sadness'. Together with 'Stars At Noon' by Frenchwoman Claire Denis, Dhont's 'Close' was awarded the Grand Prix.

Other Belgians who won prizes in Cannes were Felix Van Groeningen and Charlotte Vandermeersch. For their debut as directing duo, they received the jury prize for 'Le otto montagne', a prize they had to share with 'EO' by Polish director Jerzy Skolimowski.

Finally, the Dardenne brothers received a special anniversary award for the festive edition of the film festival. On Friday, the French film 'Les pires' with actor Johan Heldenbergh also won 'Un certain regard', one of the most important side competitions. In conclusion, Cannes 2022 was a success for the Belgian film sector. 

(AHU)

© AFP PHOTO - Valery HACHE