Cannes at Film Festival time becomes a town full of loosely worn lanyards and people talking up their projects. As it was a public holiday last Monday I went to have a peek and meet up with friends. Maybe small glimmers of glitz would rub off on me. The red carpet area was not brimming with people on the visit. If you haven’t been to Cannes you may be surprised at the ugliness of the Palais des Festivals et Congrès building where the red carpet is brought out to play. The media were out to lunch when I walked past but scores of white plastic chairs were lined up waiting and ready for the schmoozing to finish. The return of the photographers would no doubt signal the frenzy for that perfect shot.

The major prize winners were announced at last night’s award ceremonies and always gives a list of upcoming films to look out for.

The Palme D’Or (the top film prize) : I, Daniel Blake from Ken Loach

The Grand Prix (the second prize) : It’s Only The End Of The World from Xavier Dolan

The Jury Prix (the third prize): American Honey from Andrea Arnold

Best Director : A tie with Olivier Assayas with Personal Shopper and Asghar Farhadi for The Salesman

Best Actress : Jaclyn Jose for Ma’Rosa

Best Actor : Shahab Hosseini for The Salesman

Apparently the biggest boos at the festival were reserved for Sean Penn‘s The Last Face starring Charlize Theron and Javier Bardem as aid workers in Africa. Perversely the bad reviews just make me want to see it more.

Notes : All photos by Megan In Sainte Maxime : Featured Image : The Palais billboard : Giant Phyto ad with Brigitte Bardot : Outside the Palais : One of the many posters around town : Not much happening on the red carpet : Mrs Doubtfire was whizzing around on a mobility scooter (obviously not Robin Williams).