With less than an hour to go, here are my predictions for tonight’s big winners.
Palme d’Or: “Certified Copy,” Abbas Kiarostami
Runner Up: “Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives,” Apichatpong Weerasethakul
Comments: My head says Abbas and his highly likable film might grab top honors – becoming a personal and political victory. This would be his second. Taste of Cherry was his first. If the jury is in a risk-taking mode, they would go with Weerasethakul’s film, which I have instead placed in 3rd.
Grand Prix: “Of Gods and Men,” Xavier Beauvois
Runner Up: Of Gods and Men,” Xavier Beauvois
Comments: Just caught the film less than an hour ago, my feeling is this is a perfect 2nd place finisher.
Jury Prize: “Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives,” Apichatpong Weerasethakul
Runner Up: Mike Leigh, “Another Year”
Comments: The critic’s favorite is perhaps the most ambitious film of the comp – but my thinking is the 2nd half of the film might have pushed this down from 1st to a 3rd place vote. Leigh’s film is strong, but I think he’ll instead receive a Directing award.
Best Director: Mike Leigh, “Another Year”
Runner Up: Mahamat Saleh Haroun, “A Screaming Man”
Comments: Since Leigh doesn’t really work with a script, but instead works from ideas and films them with his cast – this critic favorite should grab this award.
Best Actor: Elio Germano, “La Nostra Vita”
Runner Up: Cast of “Of Gods and Men,” Xavier Beauvois
Comments: Bardem was the leader until a couple of days ago in my books. The close proximity of Daniele Luchetti’s camera might be slightly better than the one framing Bardem. My 2nd place vote goes to the cast of Beauvois’ film – just like how it was for Days of Glory members a couple of years back.
Best Actress: Yun Jung-hee, “Poetry”
Runner Up: Juliette Binoche, “Certified Copy”
Comments: Major toss up here – but I think we might see another Lee Chang-Dong actress win gold….and accept the award in French.
Best Screenplay: Mahamat Saleh Haroun, “A Screaming Man”
Runner Up: Mike Leigh, “Another Year”
Comments: I had this film from Chad at the debut of the festival in a second place position, but I’m thinking it may receive this prize instead.
