Festival Internationale du Film de Cannes

   Cannes Film Festival

   Arguably the most prestigious of international film festivals, the Cannes Film Festival was scheduled to begin in September 1939, but because of World War II, was not fully realized until September 1946. Its first jury president (in 1939) was Louis Lumière. The highest award granted is the Palme d'Or (Golden Palm), which was called the "Grand Prix du Festival International du Film" (Grand Prize of the International Film Festival) until 1955. At present, the festival is generally held in May.

   Historical Dictionary of French Cinema by Dayna Oscherwitz & Mary Ellen Higgins