The 77th Cannes Film Festival concluded on Saturday after a politically charged edition filled with poignant narratives and feminist undertones.
 
Emotions reached a crescendo on the final day of screenings as Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof premiered his film "The Seed of the Sacred Fig," having narrowly escaped imprisonment in his homeland just days before the festival commenced.
 
This marked one of the concluding entries among the 22 films vying for the prestigious Palme d'Or, the highest honor at the renowned film festival.
 
The focus now shifts to the esteemed jury, headed by director Greta Gerwig of "Barbie" fame, set to announce its decisions at the closing ceremony on Saturday night.
 
Following a relatively slow start characterized by mixed reviews for initial entries, the competition intensified in the festival's latter days.
 
Anticipation swirls around contenders such as the boldly original musical "Emilia Perez" by French director Jacques Audiard, exploring the transformation of a Mexican narco boss undergoing a sex change, and "Anora" by US indie director Sean Baker, which has garnered acclaim for its raw portrayal of a New York erotic dancer entangled with a wealthy client and his formidable Russian oligarch parents.
 
Among the contenders for best actress, 25-year-old Mikey Madison of "Anora" and comeback-queen Demi Moore of "The Substance" are standout favorites, with Moore's performance in the latter receiving rave reviews for its fearless depiction of the pressures women confront regarding physical perfection as they age.
 
Notably, this year's festival showcased a scarcity of substantial roles for male actors, although Sebastian Stan's portrayal of Donald Trump in "The Apprentice" received praise for its nuanced approach, alongside Jeremy Strong's portrayal of Trump's mentor-lawyer Roy Cohn.
 
However, "The Apprentice" faced criticism from Trump's camp, denouncing it as "garbage" and threatening legal action over its depiction of the former president.
 
Adding a late twist to the competition is "All We Imagine as Light," the first Indian entry in three decades, which offers a poetic depiction of two nurses navigating life in Mumbai during the monsoon season, earning accolades as a dreamlike triumph.
 
It's almost certain that Rasoulof will receive recognition for "The Seed of the Sacred Fig," hailed as a deeply affecting masterpiece and a potent critique of Iranian oppression. Despite facing pressure to withdraw from the festival, Rasoulof's defiance and escape from Iran amid looming imprisonment underscored the film's significance, culminating in a poignant moment at Cannes where he received a standing ovation.
 
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