"Anora," a bold and often humorous tale centered around a New York exotic dancer, claimed the prestigious Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, marking a historic moment with the first-ever win for a transgender actress.

Directed by Sean Baker, known for his acclaimed works like "The Florida Project" and "Red Rocket," the film propelled 25-year-old Mikey Madison into the spotlight as she portrayed a dancer whose encounter with a wealthy client leads to unexpected consequences involving his Russian oligarch parents.

As the head of the jury, "Barbie" director Greta Gerwig lauded "Anora" as an "extraordinary, deeply human film that resonated with our emotions." Baker, visibly moved by the recognition, expressed, "This has been my lifelong dream for the past 30 years, and I am overwhelmed with gratitude. I'm not quite sure what I'll do with the rest of my life now."

Dedicating the award to all sex workers, Baker called for a revitalization of cinema and emphasized the importance of films meant for theatrical viewing. "We need to remind the world that watching a film in a theater, fully engaged, is incomparable to the distracted viewing habits encouraged by modern technology," he stressed.

The 77th edition of the festival showcased several politically and socially charged films, alongside themes of feminism and human rights. Karla Sofia Gascon made history as the first transgender woman to win the Best Actress award for her role in "Emilia Perez," a bold musical where she portrays a Mexican narco boss undergoing a gender transition. Gascon dedicated the award to all transgender individuals facing discrimination and urged for societal change.

Other notable recognitions included Jesse Plemons winning for his role in "Kinds of Kindness," an anthology by Yorgos Lanthimos, and the Iranian film "The Seed of the Sacred Fig" receiving a special jury prize for its poignant portrayal of social injustice in Iran.

Amidst the celebration of cinematic achievements, there were calls for revolution and societal change, notably in Coralie Fargeat's acceptance speech for Best Screenplay for "The Substance," a film exploring the pressures faced by women to conform to societal beauty standards.

The festival also honored George Lucas, the visionary behind "Star Wars," with an honorary Palme d'Or, presented by his longtime friend Francis Ford Coppola, adding a touch of nostalgia to the event.