The Story of the Palme d’Or: How Cannes Found Its Golden Symbol

The Story of the Palme d’Or: How Cannes Found Its Golden Symbol

The Palme d’Or is more than Cannes’ best-known prize; it is also a visual expression of the festival’s relationship with auteur cinema, artistic prestige and international visibility.

According to the festival’s official history, the first full Cannes edition took place in 1946. The Palme d’Or name was introduced in 1955 and returned in 1975 as the festival’s enduring top award.

The palm motif comes from the coat of arms of the city of Cannes. Its physical design has evolved, but the central idea remains: honor the strongest film in Official Competition with one globally recognizable symbol.

Source note: Festival de Cannes — official history and Palme d’Or pages.