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Michael Haneke triumphs again at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival

It is a déjà-vu situation for Austrian director Michael Haneke, winner of the Palme d´Or for “White Ribbon” in 2009, taking home the same prize for this year´s winner “Amour”.

The Palme d´Or winner of this year's Cannes Film Festival is a French-language film that introduces the viewer to an elderly couple threatened by illnesses, yet powered by love.

After 12 days of non-stop film viewing, “Amour” staring octogenarian actors Jean-Louis Trinignant and Emmanuelle Riva has earned Haneke his second top prize.

Amongst other prizes are:

  • Mads Mikkelsen best actor for “the Hunt”
  • Best actress: Cristina Flutur and Cosmina Stratan for “Beyond the Hills”
  • Best director: Carlos Reygadas for “Tenebras Lux”
  • The jury prize went to “The Angel´s Share”
  • The Grand Prize went to Matteo Garrone´s satire “Reality”- also the second time this director has won this prize, the first being in 2008.

Despite being tipped as being a winner, “Holy motors” starring Kylie Minogue in a cameo appearance did not make it to the top of the list.

Highlights for Cannes 2012

  • Seven-year-old Katherine Abuaglain from Edinburgh won a best actress award at the modest age of seven for the film 'Bra-et Al Rouh'. The film, otherwise known as 'Innocence of the Spirit' tells the story of a relationship between a young Palestinian girl and a homeless man on the streets of Edinburgh.
  • 2 films committed to telling the truth behind the uprisings that have taken place over the past year “The Oath of Tobruk” and “After the battle” have chosen the Arab Spring as their protagonist. The first centers on Libya in a documentary style and the second tells of the happenings in Cairo, Egypt.
  • Matthew McConaughey has starred in two films presented at the festival: “The Paperboy” and “Mud” also starring Reese Witherspoon.

So, as the 65th year of the Cannes Film Festival draws to an end, the general public can appreciate that, despite tightening economic limits and restrictions on film budgets, the film industry is still managing to offer great, empowering films.

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