Film festivals like Cannes, Venice, and the Oscars are often seen as the highest honors in cinema. But what exactly do they evaluate? Why do some films win the Palme d'Or, others the Golden Lion, and yet others the Oscar?

Each award has its own preferences and criteria that influence decisions. Winning a major festival award can boost a film's visibility, box office, and director's career, as well as how films get distributed and remembered. For audiences, these awards serve as guides to quality and innovation in cinema.

Let's explore these differences to better understand what makes a film festival award truly special.

Palme d'Or: Cannes' Crown Jewel

The Palme d'Or is the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival, held annually in France. It is often compared to the Oscar for Best Picture but with a stronger focus on artistic innovation and auteur-driven cinema. Cannes tends to favor films that push boundaries in storytelling, style, or social commentary. Winners often have strong cultural messages, and the festival has a reputation for celebrating bold, sometimes controversial works. For example, films like Parasite and Pulp Fiction won Palme d'Or for their originality and impact.

Golden Lion: Venice's Historic Award

The Golden Lion is awarded at the Venice Film Festival, the oldest film festival in the world. Venice prizes films that combine artistic merit with emotional depth and craftsmanship. While it also values innovation, Venice often leans toward films with strong narrative and visual beauty. The festival's history and prestige attract a diverse international selection, and winners often reflect a balance between tradition and modernity. Films like Roma and The Shape of Water have been honored here.

Oscar: Hollywood's Global Spotlight

The Academy Awards, or Oscars, are the most globally recognized film awards, focused primarily on English-language cinema but inclusive of international films through specific categories. Oscars emphasize overall excellence in filmmaking, including acting, directing, writing, and technical achievements. The voting body consists of thousands of industry professionals, which sometimes leads to more mainstream or commercially successful films winning. However, the Academy has been evolving to recognize more diverse voices and styles in recent years.

Different Tastes and Judging Criteria

Each festival's jury has its own preferences. Cannes juries often look for artistic risk-taking and social relevance. Venice juries appreciate cinematic craftsmanship and emotional resonance. The Oscars reward a combination of artistic merit and industry recognition, often influenced by marketing campaigns and industry values. These differences explain why a film might win at Cannes but not at the Oscars, or vice versa.

Often, winning multiple major festival awards—called the "Grand Slam" or "Triple Crown"—is a mark of extraordinary achievement. Directors like Michelangelo Antonioni and Robert Altman have won at Cannes, Venice, and Berlin, demonstrating broad international acclaim.

Film festivals are not just about "picking movies" but about celebrating different aspects of cinema—from daring art to popular appeal. Recognizing their unique tastes and rules enriches our understanding of the film world and helps us appreciate the diversity of great filmmaking.

Are you more drawn to Cannes' artistic boldness, Venice's emotional depth, or the Oscars' global recognition? Share your thoughts and favorite award-winning films—let's discuss what makes a film truly great!