70 Years of Cinematic Brilliance

The Palme d’Or — the undisputed emblem of world cinema — celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. Since its creation, this singular trophy has become the definitive marker of excellence and a symbol of prestige in the industry. Jewelry house Chopard, long celebrated for the mastery of its design and craftsmanship, has been entrusted with redesigning and crafting the Palme d’Or since 1998, cementing its role as the official sponsor of the Festival de Cannes.

The history of this iconic award is as captivating as the films it honors. Although the festival itself was inaugurated in 1946, it was not until 1955 that the Palme d’Or was formally established as the event’s defining image. Before that, the prize varied in both design and name — until a competition held in 1954 provided a resolution, when jeweler Lucienne Lazon presented the first trophy inspired by the coat of arms of Cannes.

The reimagining of the Palme by Caroline Scheufele, Chopard’s Co-President and Artistic Director, has added a distinctly contemporary dimension to the piece — rendered in yellow gold with a design that pays homage to the traditions of French cinema. The meticulous craftsmanship behind it, requiring 70 hours of artisanal work and the use of ethical gold, reflects Chopard’s unwavering commitment to sustainability. Over the decades, the award has been placed in the hands of the world’s most celebrated directors, consolidating its standing as the supreme honor in global cinema.

The Festival de Cannes retains its singular magic and authority, and the legacy of the Palme d’Or promises to inspire generations of filmmakers and devotees of the seventh art for decades to come.