"Fjord" Wins Palme d'Or at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival

JAKARTA - Cristian Mungiu's latest film, Fjord, won the Palme d'Or or the best film at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival. This film became the second victory for the director after 19 years with the film "4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days".

Starring Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve, Fjord tells the story of a family of Romanian descent who move to a remote village in Norway. One day, their family is suspected of being involved in a case of child abuse that clashes with the Norwegian social system.

Launching THR, Cristian Mungiu explained, "All awards are contextual. The fact that you give us this award is very meaningful and we feel very happy but we need to wait 10, 20 years to watch this film again and maybe we will understand which one is really good and can pass the time. "

Fjord's victory in Cannes elicited varied responses among critics and praise for Mungiu. It was Mungiu's first film directed outside his country.

"To be honest, I don't want to give the Palme d'Or award to any film because it's an award I've never gotten. But I have no choice (No Other Choice)," said the head of the jury board Park Chan Wook who referenced his last film.

When it premiered at Cannes, Fjord received a standing ovation for 10 minutes. The title provoked a divided response regarding the film's socio-politics.

The film also swept all award categories other than the Palme d'Or, namely the Francois Chalais Prize, FIPRESCI Prize, Prize of the Ecumenical Jury, Prix de la Citoyennete.

US distributor Neon, which is distributing the film, also marked their seventh year of success since their first win with Parasite in 2019.