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It's likely the most notable film holiday in the world and its more than 70 years of history prove it. Since its beginnings, The Cannes World Film Holiday has marked the history of 7th art for the creativeness of its competitors, its glamour and scandals.

In spite of being officially made in 1939, its origins can be tracked to the beginnings of that decade. Even more shocking, the first edition just occurred in 1947.

But let's begin with the beginnings. In the 1st years of the 30s, politics were influencing the final jury's decisions in the Venice holiday, giving advantage to films in which viewers and politicians could see a wink to Benito Mussolini's fascism politics.

Consequently, French and American filmmakers made a decision to promote the idea of creating a new holiday in which art would be awarded, independent of any political influence. Therefore, two cities were offered to host the event: Cannes and Biarritz. At the end, the elected was the 1st one.

Everything was running smoothly and the date for the 1st edition was selected to be in Sep of 1939, but suddenly occurred what everyone feared in Europe: Hitler finally attacked Poland and the WWII started, delaying the holiday until 1947 when the conflict was over. In that first edition, Luis Lumiere, one of the pas of the cinematography, was selected as the president of the jury.

Throughout the years, The Cannes Film Festival has witnessed tiny but serious changes, among them, the designation of the Golden Palms the highest prize given in the holiday. The choice was keenly supported by the notable French artist Suzaanne Lazon.

In the 60s, the holiday was well established and recognized among the most important in the world, having awarded filmmakers such as Luis Buuel and Federico Fellini. 10 years later on the selection format for competing movies changed. Before, each country was autonomous to choose the film to represent the country. After the change, the festival's directives were the ones who selected the films indulging in the contest

With the new format, directors like Martin Scorcese, Francis Ford Coppola and Ridley Scott, were awarded with Golden Palms.

In the 60s, the holiday was well established and recognized among the most significant in the world, having awarded filmmakers such as Luis Buuel and Federico Fellini. Ten years later , the selection format for competing movies modified. Before, each country was autonomous to choose the film to represent the nation. After the change, the festival's directives were the ones who chose the films indulging in the contest

With the new format, directors like Martin Scorcese, Francis Ford Coppola and Ridley Scott, were awarded with Golden Palms.

The Golden Palms

It's the award every filmmaker would be happy to win, for what it represents in the industry and out of it. But many of us ask what does The Golden Palm represent? Why a golden palm? The answer is not as tricky as it would seem to be.

The highest prize in The Cannes International Film Holiday is The Golden Palm as a tribute to the city's coat of arms, in which a palm is represented. The award design has changed throughout the years as well as its standing as the most important award given in the festival.

Thus, created in 1955, The Golden Palm was the highest honour given until it had to be modified in 1964 due to legal limitations. From that year and until 1975 the key award the jury gave to competitors was the Grand Prix. However , The Golden Palm returned to become the most important prize and the symbol of the holiday.