Okamoto Tao of Japan and Virginie Efira have shared the Award for Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival for their roles in Japanese director Hamaguchi Ryusuke’s film “All of a Sudden.”
It is the first time a Japanese actress has won the prize.
Three films by Japanese directors were in competition for the Palme d’Or at the festival’s 79th edition. The others were Koreeda Hirokazu’s “Sheep in the Box” and Fukada Koji’s “Nagi Notes.”
The winners were announced on Saturday, the final day of the festival.
Okamoto and Efira embraced in celebration when their names were called. Appearing moved, Hamaguchi applauded the pair.
Okamoto took the stage and said, “The simple reason why a mediocre Japanese actress, someone like me, is standing here today is purely because of our amazing director.” She went on to praise Hamaguchi’s writing and guidance as director. She added that the “love and respect” Hamaguchi showed for the whole team and the actors gave them the “energy to keep going.”
The film is set in Paris and centers on two women with similar-sounding names. Marie-Lou, the director of an elderly care facility, encounters Mari, a Japanese theater director. The two gradually form a bond.
At the official screening on May 15, the audience gave the film a standing ovation lasting about 14 minutes.
AloJapan.com