Cannes Winners ‘09: On Stage and Backstage on Closing Night

Palme d’Or for best short film, winner Joao Salaviza . Photo by Eugene Hernandez/indieWIRE

7:59 p.m.—A huge ovation in the Palais as Christoph Waltz is named best actor.

7:55 p.m.—A loud gasp of shock in the press room backstage as the winner of the best actress award is announced: Charlotte Gainsbourg

7:50 p.m.—Terry Gilliams on stage to present the best director award, pretends to present the prize to himself, then starts to fake cry when he is told it’s not for him. Across the stage, Isabelle Huppert, not laughing, remarks simply, “OK?”

7:47 p.m.—Whistles greet the star of “Coco & Chanel” as she takes the stage to present the screenplay prize. Backstage, in the press room, a round of slight boos when the winners is announced as the Chinese film, “Spring Fever.”

7:39 p.m.—Isabelle Huppert takes the stage, to introduce the jury, after the presentation of the Camera d’Or for best first feature and the Palme d’Or for best short film.

7:13 p.m.—With minutes to go before the Cannes Film Festival awards ceremony is set to begin, massive crowds are swarming the streets outside the Palais des Festivals now. Observers and fans are watching the arrivals to try to get a hint at who might win a prize this year.

Typically, many filmmakers and actors, especially those whose films screened early on, leave the event. Winners are apparently called back for closing night and urged to attend the ceremony, unaware what prize they will win.

Among those spotted arriving on the red carpet this evening include “The White Ribbon” director Michael Haneke, “A Prophet” director Jacques Audiard, as well as the film’s lead actor Tahar Rahim, and a team from the film. Also, a large group representing “Kinatay,” including director Brillante Mendoza.

Others spotted moments ago include “Thirst” director Park Chan Wook, “Antichrist” stars Charlotte Gainsbourg and Willem Dafoe and “Inglourious Basterds” star Christopher Waltz.

The complete list of winners is also available here at indieWIRE.