12 Movies That Got Their Big Break at Cannes—And Went on to Conquer the World
These 12 films premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and later achieved major international recognition and awards.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
The Cannes Film Festival has introduced many films that went on to become globally acclaimed. From independent features to international dramas, these movies started their journey on the Croisette. Each one made a strong impact on critics, audiences, and award seasons around the world.
1. Pulp Fiction (1994)
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Pulp Fiction premiered at Cannes in 1994 and won the Palme d’Or. The film’s nonlinear storytelling and sharp dialogue stood out among its peers. Directed by Quentin Tarantino, it became a cultural reference point in modern cinema. It also received seven Academy Award nominations and won Best Original Screenplay.
2. Parasite (2019)
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Parasite won the Palme d’Or in 2019, the first Korean film to do so. It gained international attention for its critique of class structure and inequality. Directed by Bong Joon-ho, the film later won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It was the first non-English-language film to win Best Picture in Oscar history.
3. La Vie en Rose (2007)
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Marion Cotillard received critical acclaim for her role as Édith Piaf in La Vie en Rose, which premiered at Cannes. Her performance was praised for its depth and emotional range. She later won the Academy Award for Best Actress, making her the first actor to win for a French-language performance. The film also brought global attention to French biographical cinema.
4. The Piano (1993)
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The Piano was awarded the Palme d’Or in 1993, making director Jane Campion the first woman to win the prize solo. The film explored themes of communication, repression, and independence. It received three Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Holly Hunter and Best Supporting Actress for Anna Paquin. It also won Best Original Screenplay.
5. Amour (2012)
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Amour won the Palme d’Or in 2012 and was later nominated for five Academy Awards. It won Best Foreign Language Film, with strong reviews praising its realistic portrayal of aging and end-of-life care. Directed by Michael Haneke, it was noted for its restrained and honest storytelling. The film also received the César Award for Best Film.
6. Blue Is the Warmest Color (2013)
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This French film won the Palme d’Or in 2013, with both lead actresses and the director receiving the award. It gained attention for its raw and detailed portrayal of a romantic relationship. The film sparked discussion about power dynamics on set and the boundaries of realism in cinema. It became one of the most talked-about foreign films that year.
7. The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964)
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This fully sung French musical premiered at Cannes and won the Palme d’Or. It was recognized for its bold use of color and continuous music. The film received five Academy Award nominations and helped launch Catherine Deneuve’s career. It has since been restored and re-released by major film institutions.
8. Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004)
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Michael Moore’s documentary won the Palme d’Or in 2004. It criticized the U.S. government’s actions following the September 11 attacks. The film became the highest-grossing documentary at the time of its release. It also received international awards and played a role in political discourse.
9. The Class (2008)
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The Class won the Palme d’Or in 2008, the first French film to do so in over two decades. Based on a real teacher’s experiences, it used non-professional actors and improvised scenes. The film received critical acclaim for its realism and educational themes. It was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars.
10. Drive (2011)
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Drive premiered at Cannes, where director Nicolas Winding Refn won Best Director. The film was noted for its minimalist dialogue, stylized violence, and visual design. It helped redefine Ryan Gosling’s career and gained a strong fan following. The film was also nominated for Best Sound Editing at the Oscars.
11. The Artist (2011)
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The Artist premiered at Cannes and received a standing ovation. It went on to win five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Jean Dujardin. The film revived interest in silent and black-and-white cinema. It also won seven BAFTAs and six César Awards.
12. Shoplifters (2018)
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Shoplifters won the Palme d’Or in 2018 and became Japan’s submission for the Academy Awards. Directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, the film focused on themes of family, poverty, and morality. It was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars and received widespread praise for its humanistic approach and performances.