1956 Cannes Film Festival: History and Background

The 9th Cannes Film Festival took place from 23 April to 10 May 1956. French actor, director and producer Maurice Lehmann served as jury president for the main competition.

The Palme d'Or, the festival's top prize, was awarded to The Silent World by Jacques-Yves Cousteau and Louis Malle.

In an effort to resolve some issues caused by the Cold War climate of the time, like special treatment towards Americans (who gave financial assistance to the festival) which displeased the Eastern Bloc, a rule to have films withdrawn under certain conditions was in effect until 1955, even though it had become a divisive issue within the festival directors, as it was seen as censorship. In 1956, it was officially decided to eliminate all such censorship from the selection.

The festival opened with Marie Antoinette Queen of France by Jean Delannoy and closed with The Roof by Vittorio De Sica.

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