People's Choice

Since 1969, the Directors' Fortnight has welcomed cinephiles from around the world. In 2024, it launched the People's Choice, the first audience award in the history of the Festival de Cannes. The People's Choice was conceived as a label that aims to support an unusual and unique work, and a filmmaker whose style, as expressed through their mise en scène, surprises and delights the audience.

Supported by the Fondation Chantal Akerman

The People's Choice reflects the legacy of the late, great director Chantal Akerman, a long-time friend of the Fortnight, where she premiered several works, including the magnificent Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles in 1975. The freedom and audacity of her films, which explore cinematographic language in a radical way, set the tone for the People's Choice.

The Fondation Chantal Akerman, honoured partner of the People's Choice, will award €7,500 to the director of the winning feature. The prize will be presented during the closing ceremony.