Ceylan receives Palme d'Or at Cannes Film Festival

Turkish director Nuri Bilge Ceylan accepted the coveted Palme d'Or for his film Winter Sleep at the 67th annual Cannes Film Festival. Winter Sleep highlights the major difference between the rich and poor as well as the powerful and powerless in Turkey. The story is set in Anatolia and revolves around Mr. Aydin played by Haluk Bilginer.

Ceylan said in his acceptance speech that it was "a great surprise" when he took the stage, noting that it was perhaps a fitting choice in a year that marked the 100th anniversary of Turkish cinema. The festival`s second-place honour, The Grand Prix was given to Italian director Alice Rohrwacherfor her filmThe Wonders.

Bennett Miller won the best director honour for his film Foxcatcher. Actress Julianne Moore won the best actress award for her portrayal in Maps to the Stars whereas Timothy Spall won the best actor honor for Mr. Turner.