Malick’s ‘Tree of Life’ wins Palme d’Or (and half the press rejoices)

A festival that started off slow but gained in momentum and drama drew to a close tonight with “The Tree of Life”, Terrence Malick’s stunning meditation on memory and childhood, winning the coveted Palme d’Or.

Two late-festival gems, and if I could pick the Palme….

The end of the festival brought two revelations: a haunting Turkish police procedural and a glorious French musical screened out of competition. But if I could pick the prize-winners, here's who would be bringing home the glory.

Competition picks up steam with Malick’s beautiful, booed ‘Tree of Life’

An underwhelming competition picked up major steam with the festival's most hotly anticipated film, Terrence Malick's bold, beautiful "The Tree of Life" -- cue obnoxious booing at this morning's press screening.

A rising star on 'the problems' of being a black actor in France

Far from the red carpet, there are the lesser-known actors who come to Cannes to hustle up contacts and self-promote. We caught up with 30-year-old Tony Mpoudja, who told us about his experience as a black actor in France's very white film industry.

The Cannes Film Festival 2011

With a cracking line-up, Robert De Niro at the head of the jury and a flurry of stars expected on the red carpet – the 64th Cannes film festival has left us all with some pretty high expectations.
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Cannes official selection: Reading between the lines

After a disappointing 2010 edition, hopes are high for Cannes 2011 -- especially since the official competition selection announced last week looks promising. Here are some initial observations, gripes, and pleasant surprises.