Cannes: Standing Ovation for Roman Polanski’s “Venus in Fur”

The screening for Roman Polanski‘s “Venus in Fur” just finished in Cannes. Polanski’s French film adaptation of the Broadway hit received a 10 minute standing ovation. The entire jury, including Steven Spielberg and Nicole Kidman, were present. The jury is said to be divided on what will win the main prizes tomorrow (Sunday). They had to wait until “Venus in Fur” debuted tonight, bringing the voting to the last minute. Tonight they will  deliberate. Michael Douglas is the clear front runner for Best Actor in “Behind the Candelabra,” but you never know about these things. At the same time, 19 year old actress Adele may have jumped out ahead in the three hour steamy lesbian drama “Blue Ruin.” For the Palm D’Or Best Picture it’s a very tough race. My choice would be the Coen Brothers’ “Inside Llewyn Davis,” but Alexander Payne’s “Nebraska” is a gem. And there are several non English films held in high regard including “Blue Ruin.” So hold on for reports since yours truly has landed in New York to much the same weather we had in Cannes– rain, cold, wind. Sacre bleu!