1961 Cannes Film Festival 1961 Cannes Film Festival The 14th Cannes Film Festival was held from 3 to 18 May 1961. The Palme d'Or went to the "Une aussi longue absence", directed by Henri Colpi and "Viridiana", directed by Luis Buñuel. The festival opened with "Che gioia vivere", directed by René Clément. The festival also screened Shirley Clarke's debut film "The Connection" due to the efforts of the French Syndicate of Cinema Critics. The success of the film caused the festival to create International Critics' Week the following year. The following people were appointed as the Jury of the 1961 competition: Feature films Short
Jury Prize (Cannes Film Festival) Jury Prize (Cannes Film Festival) The Jury Prize () is an award presented at the Cannes Film Festival, chosen by the Jury from the "official section" of movies at the festival. According to film critic Dave Kehr, the award is "intended to recognize an original work that embodies the spirit of inquiry." In 1946, a prize named International Jury Prize was awarded for that year only. Starting from 1951, the Special Jury Prize ("Prix spécial du Jury") was awarded among other secondary prizes. In 1954, after a lot of criticism about the whimsical nature of these awards, the Festival authorities