During some screenings here in Cannes it’s often difficult to find an empty seat – but I could almost guarantee you that there’ll be a symbolic seat left unoccupied. Today was the photo call and press conference for the jury members and not surprisingly Iranian helmer Jafar Panahi remains missing action. While jury head Tim Burton doesn’t have a specific mandate except to honour emotionally and intellectual sound films, I wouldn’t be surprised if the jury of seven men and two women consisting of three actors in Kate Beckinsale, Giovanna Mezzogiorno and Benicio Del Toro, directors Burton, Shekhar Kapur and Emmanuel Carrere, completed by Alberto Barbera, Alexandre Desplat and Victor Erice pick a Palme d’or winner that isn’t politically or human rights violation driven. Here are my predictions after the jump:
Palme D’or: Route Irish
It’s almost unfair that this film would grab the top prize, as Loach has already collected a trio of wins including a Palme d’or. Acting perfs and the themes that this address within a political context should put this in the forefront of the rest of the pack.
Grand Prix: A Screaming Man
Small film – big themes and if the message and quality is there, then this could be a major surprise winner.
Jury Prize: Biutiful
With 21 Grams connection of Del Toro in the jury and this being a performance based drama, I wouldn’t be surprised if this finds itself in the bronze media position.
