Published：May 4, 16:38Last updated：May 24, 10:54

Cannes 2026: Cristian Mungiu Wins Second Palme d'Or for "Fjord"

May. 4, 2026 16:38

Demi Moore, Chloé Zhao, and Stellan Skarsgård are among the jurors for this year’s Cannes Film Festival. They will decide the Palme d’Or winner, announced on May 4, 2026. The festival celebrates outstanding achievements in cinema.

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May. 24, 2026 09:41

Cristian Mungiu’s Norway-set drama "Fjord," addressing political polarization, won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival on May 24, 2026. This marked the second time Mungiu received the festival’s top honor, following his previous win for "4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days."

May. 24, 2026 10:54

Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambot became the first Rwandan filmmaker to win the Caméra d’or at the Cannes Film Festival on Saturday, May 23, 2026, for her film "Ben’Imana." The film, which explores the complex and painful reconciliation process in Rwanda post-genocide, deeply impressed the festival jury. Dusabejambot dedicated her award to the women of Rwanda, praising their strength and dignity in moving forward despite immense pain.

The 79th Cannes Film Festival concluded on May 23, 2026, with Romanian director Cristian Mungiu winning his second Palme d'Or for the Norway-set drama "Fjord." The film, starring Renate Reinsve and Sebastian Stan, explores cultural clashes and political polarization through the story of a Romanian family facing child abuse allegations in Norway. Mungiu previously won the prestigious award in 2007 for "4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days," becoming the 10th filmmaker to achieve this double honor. The festival's red carpet events highlighted the glamour surrounding the closing ceremony, while the competition remained fiercely open until the final announcement. Radio France Internationale+3

🎬 Award-Winning Films

Alongside Mungiu's victory, German director Valeska Grisebach received the Jury Prize for "Das geträumte Abenteuer." Russian filmmaker Andrei Zvyagintsev won the Grand Prix for "Minotaur," a film depicting marital strife against the backdrop of the Ukraine war. During his acceptance speech, Zvyagintsev called for an end to the conflict, emphasizing cinema's role in addressing global issues. The awards underscored the festival's commitment to diverse international storytelling. Die Welt+1

🌍 Global Cinema Spotlight

The competition featured works from prominent auteurs including Pedro Almodóvar and Pawel Pawlikowski. Park Chan-wook presided over the jury, which included Demi Moore and Ruth Negga, evaluating 22 films over 11 days. The festival attracted 30,000 industry professionals and 4,000 journalists to Cannes, maintaining its status as Europe's premier film event while examining streaming's impact on traditional cinema. Radio-Canada+2

🎥 Film Themes and Reception

"Fjord" drew widespread acclaim for its portrayal of "left-wing fundamentalism" and gripping narrative inspired by real events. Mungiu's work continued his tradition of examining societal contradictions through intimate family dramas. Meanwhile, Zvyagintsev's "Minotaur" offered a poignant commentary on contemporary geopolitics through personal relationships. Both films exemplified the festival's focus on politically charged storytelling. France 24+2

🏆 Historic Achievements

Mungiu's second Palme d'Or places him among cinema's elite directors, joining the ranks of Francis Ford Coppola and Michael Haneke. The win also marked a significant moment for Romanian cinema, following the country's recent wave of critically acclaimed films. Park Chan-wook was separately honored by France for his cinematic contributions during the festival, highlighting the event's dual focus on celebrating both new and established talent. Radio France Internationale+2

Chloé ZhaoDemi MoorePark Chan-wookStellan SkarsgårdCannes Film Festival

topic.regionalNarratives

China

Coverage centers on the conclusion of the 79th Cannes Film Festival, highlighting Cristian Mungiu's second Palme d'Or win for "The Fjord" and other award recipients.

Germany

Reporting focuses on Cristian Mungiu's Palme d'Or win for "Fjord" and its triumph in a competitive field at the Cannes Film Festival.

France

Coverage emphasizes Cristian Mungiu's Palme d'Or win for "Fjord," the festival's closing ceremony, and additional award highlights including the Caméra d'Or.

Canada

Outlets focus on Cristian Mungiu's Palme d'Or win for "Fjord," highlighting its exploration of political polarization.

United Kingdom

Reporting centers on Cristian Mungiu's Palme d'Or win for "Fjord," with mixed reactions to the film's reception and the festival's selection.

United States

Coverage emphasizes Cristian Mungiu's Palme d'Or win for "Fjord," noting its exploration of religious and social tensions.

South Korea

Coverage discusses the jury's role in a competitive year for the Palme d'Or, with attention to Park Chan-wook's leadership and the festival's impact on films' international profiles.

Russia

Outlets frame the event around the appointment of the jury president and the festival's status as a major European cultural event.