Cannes '08: Jurors Sean Penn, Alfonso Cuaron, Natalie Portman on why 'Waltz With Bashir' was overlooked

Festival de Cannes jury news conference question:
How come Ari Folman's "Waltz With Bashir," the amazing film from Israel, didn't get nothing? There was a huge buzz around it, and it's such a surprise, bad surprise.

Sean Penn, jury president:
"The only thing I would say, I was happy to find out that buzzes mean nothing; this jury was entirely  un-influenced, and I can tell you that I would agree with you, but we had so many prizes to give. There were several people that agreed, most certainly--myself included--it's a film worthy. As I said during the ceremony, there were things that called out, and there were times where we felt that we had almost certainly a certain category fulfilled and then something else would come and provoke us in a different way. There’s not a good answer for this question from me, because while I don't believe that I particularly argued for it, ultimately, I think it's a wonderful movie. I also believe that it is a film that is going to find its audience with or without us."

Alfonso Cuaron, juror:
"It was a film that was well cherished by the jury."

Natalie Portman, juror:
"I think it speaks to the quality of films in competition this year, that a film as good as "Waltz With Bashir" didn't make it, that we had such a good selection. I very much admired the film."

-- Sheigh Crabtree

Photo: Israeli writer and director Ari Folman poses at a photo call for the film "Waltz With Bashir," courtesy Lionel Cironneau / Associated Press.

Comments

[Ali James]

I am not surprised ' Waltz with Bashir ' sadly did not win awards at Cannes. It makes uncomfortable viewing with the 'Israel is always right' brigade, many of whom are important movers and shakers in the American film industry. It would have taken great courage to vote for this film, which clearly the judges have not.