NHK

Koreeda's 'Monster' nominated for top prize as Cannes kicks off

The Cannes Film Festival has opened in France. The latest movie by Japanese director Koreeda Hirokazu has been nominated for the prestigious Palme d'Or prize.

The 76th edition of the event, which is one of the world's three major film festivals, along with Venice and Berlin, kicked off in the French resort city on Tuesday with directors and actors appearing on the red carpet.

French actress Catherine Deneuve declared the opening of the festival. Spectators applauded when she recited a verse of a Ukrainian poem and said she has Ukraine in her thoughts.

Koreeda's "Monster" is among this year's lineup in the competition category. World-renowned Japanese musician and composer Sakamoto Ryuichi, who died in March, composed the music for the film.

Koreeda won the top prize, the Palme d'Or, with "Shoplifters" in 2018 

"Perfect Days" by German director Wim Wenders is also in competition for the Palme d'Or. It stars Japanese actor Yakusho Koji and was shot in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward.

Japanese director Kitano Takeshi's "Kubi" will also be screened in the Cannes Premiere section that was established in 2021.

The awards in the competition category will be announced on May 27.

Source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230517_05/