Who put the palm in the Palme d’Or?

The symbol of the Cannes Film Festival goes back centuries

The Palme d’Or is the ultimate award given each year by the Cannes Film Festival and has become a symbol of movie excellence. Although it feels as though it has always been there, the Palme d’Or has changed a lot over the years. As the festival is celebrating its 70th anniversary in May this year, we take a look at its best-known symbol.

Why a palm?

Originally, the palm is a reference to the coat of arms and motto of the city of Cannes: Praemium palma victori, meaning “The palm is the prize of the winner”. A local legend attributes it to the 4th century Honoratus, or Saint Honorat, who climbed a palm tree while praying – as one does. God then granted him the destruction of the venomous snakes that were infesting the smallest of the Lérins islands off the coast of Cannes. In gratitude, he founded an abbey on the island that is still open today and produces credible wine.

Palm trees have also been more closely associated to Cannes and are now a striking feature all along the Croisette strip.

One palm, many palms..

In 1955, the Festival de Cannes adopted the palm leaf symbol to create one of the most coveted trophies in world cinema today: the Palme d’or. In 1960, it was featured prominently for the first time on a Festival poster, and in 1982, it made its first appearance in its oval on the official poster in the form of a logo.

In 2002, the Festival reinforced its visual identity with a charter, which is still in force today. This year’s festival runs from May 13 to 24, 2025.

7 factoids about the Palme d’Or

·         The first Cannes film festival was to be held in 1939 but was postponed due to the outbreak of war. Several stars had already turned up for the event.

·         The original design by Parisian jeweller Lucienne Lazon was inspired by a sketch by director/poet Jean Cocteau. It is currently made by Swiss jewel maker Chopard.

·         In 1955, the first actual Palme d'Or was awarded to Delbert Mann for his romantic drama Marty.

·         From 1964 to 1974, the festival temporarily resumed a Grand Prix award. In 1975, the Palme d'Or was reintroduced and has since remained the festival's symbol.

·         The Palm Dog Award is a jokey award for the best performance by a canine (live or animated) or group of canines. It consists of a leather dog collar with the term "PALM DOG".

·         The 2020 Cannes Film Festival was cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 56 films were announced as official selections by the festival, but no awards were presented.

·         Directors that have won twice include Francis Ford Coppola and Emir Kusturica.

(Michael Leahy. Photo: ©Darya Sannikova / Pexels)