The 77th Cannes Film Festival, held from 13 to 24 May 2025, wrapped up with all the elegance, artistry, and cinematic power audiences have come to expect from the world’s most prestigious film event. As usual, the red carpet was rolled out along the French Riviera for auteurs, stars, and fresh faces—but this year, it was British talent that drew much of the spotlight.
UK Stars Make Waves on the Croisette
British actors were among the most celebrated at this year’s festival. Josh O’Connor, known for his roles in The Crown and Challengers, took home the Best Actor award for his performance in The Forgiving Tide, an intense psychological drama set in rural Ireland. Directed by Irish filmmaker Sinéad O’Donnell, the film follows a grieving man grappling with buried family secrets. O’Connor’s understated yet emotionally charged portrayal won praise from critics and the jury alike, with Cannes jury president Greta Gerwig calling his performance “devastatingly human”.
Meanwhile, Jodie Comer delivered a career-defining performance in Mother of Clay, a haunting story about a war correspondent dealing with PTSD and maternal guilt. The film, directed by UK filmmaker Clio Barnard, earned Comer the Best Actress award, marking her first major win at Cannes. Her nuanced portrayal was widely praised for its vulnerability and emotional depth, reinforcing her status as one of the UK’s most versatile performers.
Breakthroughs Behind the Camera
Emerging British-Nigerian director Kemi Ogundare made headlines with her debut feature Salt of the Earth, which won the Caméra d’Or for Best First Feature. Set in South London, the film explores generational trauma, identity, and resilience in a Nigerian-British family. Ogundare’s win signals the rise of a new wave of British cinema that is both socially resonant and artistically bold.
Veteran director Andrea Arnold also returned to Cannes with The Wild Shore, a gritty drama set on the Yorkshire coast. Though it didn’t win the Palme d’Or, it received a Special Jury Mention and strong critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling and immersive visuals.
Palme d’Or and Global Standouts
The top prize, the Palme d’Or, went to Chilean director Valentina Sáez for Desierto Azul, a poetic and politically charged film highlighting the struggles of indigenous communities in the Atacama Desert. The win underscored Cannes’ continued focus on bold, urgent storytelling.
Other winners included:
- Best Director: Ryūsuke Hamaguchi (Glass Forest, Japan)
- Grand Prix: The Evening Sky, directed by Germany’s Maren Ade
- Best Screenplay: Citizen Z, a dystopian satire written and directed by Denmark’s Thomas Vinterberg
British Fashion and Political Statements
As ever, fashion was front and centre, with British designers such as Vivienne Westwood and Stella McCartney featured prominently on the red carpet. Jodie Comer dazzled in a custom McCartney gown made from recycled fabrics, aligning with this year’s growing theme of sustainability in art and industry.
Cannes 2025 also saw measured but powerful political statements, including silent protests in support of women’s rights in Iran and solidarity with civilians affected by the Gaza conflict. Festival organisers maintained a delicate balance between artistic celebration and political awareness.
A Banner Year for British Cinema
With two major acting awards and a win for a first-time director, 2025 will go down as a landmark year for British cinema at Cannes. The UK’s presence this year wasn’t just visible—it was commanding, confident, and deeply creative.
As these films prepare for wider releases and awards season buzz, one thing is clear: British filmmakers and actors are not only shaping the conversation in cinema—they’re leading it.
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