Cannes: THR's Critics Pick Their 7 Favorite Films

The jury may have made its selections May 24, but The Hollywood Reporter's film critics have their own opinions.

This story first appeared in the June 5 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.

Son of Saul — Palme d'Or

In a timid competition crop, Hungarian director Laszlo Nemes' stylistic tour de force of a feature-length debut, set in the Auschwitz-Birkenau extermination camp, stood out as a visceral and vivid viewing experience.

The Lobster — Grand Prize (2nd place)

Greek filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos' futuristic fable (starring Colin Farrell and Rachel Weisz) — about a world where people must couple up or be turned into animals — was hilarious and haunting.

'The Lobster'

Carol — Jury Prize (3rd place)

Todd Haynes' adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's novel about a lesbian love affair in the '50s was a work of beauty and intelligence, boosted by first-rate performances by Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara.

'Carol'

Tim Roth, Chronic — Best Actor

Playing a terminal-illness home-care nurse in Michel Franco's drama, the actor loses himself in the punishing life of a man whose dedication to his job stems directly from the scars of personal devastation.

'Chronic'

Zhao Tao, Mountains May Depart — Best Actress

In Jia Zhangke's era-spanning meditation on Chinese identity, the director's wife delivers a gorgeous performance of grace and emotional transparency.

Zhao Tao in 'Mountains May Depart'

Paolo Sorrentino, Youth — Best Director

The Italian director's exploration of art and aging (starring Michael Caine and Harvey Keitel) becomes a sustained torrent of ravishing images and sensory pleasures.

Paolo Sorrentino

Phyllis Nagy, Carol — Best Screenplay

Nagy's smart script retains the essential dynamics of Highsmith's 1952 novel The Price of Salt, while making purposeful tweaks to its story of transgressive love.

'Carol'