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The Deauville American Film Festival celebrated its golden anniversary with a lavish closing ceremony at the International Center of Deauville on September 14, 2024, showcasing cinematic excellence.
Photo Credit: Lou Benoist / AFP
The 50th edition of the Deauville American Film Festival, a cornerstone for independent American cinema, wrapped up with a spectacular awards ceremony on Saturday night. The event honored groundbreaking filmmakers and commemorated the festival’s historic milestone.
Photo Credit: Lou Benoist / AFP
Star-studded festival and a glamorous closing evening
Initiated on September 7, 2024, the festival drew numerous celebrities to the scenic French seaside town, famous for its charming promenade and now, its rich cinematic legacy. Stars such as Michael Douglas, Daisy Ridley and Natalie Portman added glamor to the festival’s allure.
Photo Credit: Lou Benoist / AFP
Natalie Portman: Queen of the ceremony
Natalie Portman, the highlight of the ceremony, was celebrated as a star throughout the event. Applauded for her roles and feminist advocacy, Portman was honored with the Deauville Talent Award. Presented by the iconic Isabelle Adjani, the award acknowledged Portman’s substantial contributions to cinema and her commitment to women’s rights. Moved by the honor, the actress emphasized the “incredible convergence of American and French cinemas” celebrated at Deauville, expressing her delight in bridging these two cinematic powerhouses.
Photo Credit: Lou Benoist / AFP
Awards night highlights
The Grand Prix was awarded to Alessandra Lacorazza Samudio for her film In the Summers, which also secured the Louis Roederer Foundation Prize from the Revelation jury. Nnamdi Asomugha’s The Knife received the Jury Prize, signaling strong appreciation for its challenging narrative.
Other awards included the Barrière Prize for Alonso Ruizpalacios’s La Cocina, and the City of Deauville Public’s Prize, which went to Brandt Andersen’s The Strangers’ Case. David Fortune’s Color Book claimed the Critics’ Prize, underscoring its critical acclaim.
Photo Credit: Lou Benoist / AFP
Jury and deliberations
Presided over by French actor Benoît Magimel, the festival’s jury included talents such as Ludivine Sagnier and Damien Bonnard. The Revelation jury, led by actress Alice Belaïdi, focused on recognizing emerging talents, highlighting the festival’s dedication to new voices in cinema.
Photo Credit: Loic Venance / AFP
Memorable closing: Finalement
The closing film, Claude Lelouch’s Finalement, received enthusiastic applause, reflecting the festival’s theme of addressing contemporary societal issues through cinema. Lelouch, a celebrated director, shared his passion for filmmaking, resonating with the festival’s spirit of continuous creativity.
Photo Credit: Loic Venance / AFP
Legacy and controversy
The festival navigated controversies, including a leadership change when Aude Hesbert took over following Bruno Barde’s ousting amid harassment allegations. Despite these challenges, the festival remained committed to its core mission of promoting independent cinema, demonstrating resilience amid adversity.
Photo Credit: Loic Venance / AFP
The Deauville American Film Festival remains a vital platform for filmmakers who articulate the complexities of human experience. With its mix of glamor, critical acclaim and a focus on innovative cinema, the festival is a prominent feature on the international film calendar.
Photo Credit: Lou Benoist / AFP
Photo Credit: Loic Venance / AFP
