An unprecedented moment took place on Saturday evening, May 23, at the Cannes Film Festival, when Cristian Mungiu and Scottish actress Tilda Swinton kissed each other’s hand, after the Palme d’Or trophy was handed to the Romanian director.
The two kissed each other’s hands on stage, in a gesture of respect and admiration, captured by photographers present at the ceremony.
The Palme d’Or of the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival was handed to the Scottish actress Tilda Swinton.
Cristian Mungiu won the big trophy with the film “Fjord”, a drama inspired by a real case, which provoked strong reactions both among the public and international critics. It is the second Palme d’Or in the career of the Romanian director, after the success achieved in 2007 with the film “4 months, 3 weeks and 2 days”.
After receiving the award, the director gave an emotional speech about cinema, society and the responsibility of current generations.
“Enjoy the moment. Leave it to me“, said the Romanian director when he went on stage. “The first time is a surprise. Then comes the pleasure. We always remember the second time. This evening will be etched in my memory.”
The filmmaker also spoke about the message of the film “Fjord”, which he considers “a commitment against all forms of fundamentalism” and “a plea for empathy”.
“The state of the world is not the best. I am not very proud of what I am leaving our children. The change should start with us. We need to talk about the relevant things, and they are at hand. We took the risk to raise our voices. What I feel is the radicalization and fracturing of society. This film is a commitment against any form of fundamentalism, a plea for empathy, which we need to apply more often”Cristian Mungiu declared in front of the audience at Cannes.
Cristian Mungiu received four trophies for “Fjord”: the François Chalais Prize, the Citizenship Award, the Ecumenical Jury Prize and the FIPRESCI Prize (International Critics’ Prize).
The production stars Oscar-nominated actors Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve.
