Through this “Coup de Cœur” (Special Jury Favorite), SACD, on behalf of its elected filmmakers Anne Villacèque (Vice-President for Cinema), Catherine Corsini, and Axelle Ropert, reaffirmed its unwavering support for authors across all forms of cinema, for artistic creation, and for the Directors’ Fortnight.
“Within a highly diverse selection, where established and experienced filmmakers stood alongside emerging talents, we first want to commend the remarkable originality of the works presented. Some pleasantly took us by surprise, going against our expectations. Several moved us deeply. But when it came time to decide, we chose to honor youth in its momentum and its fragility.
The film to which we are awarding our Special Jury Favorite reveals an extraordinary actress—through her physical presence, her language, her boldness, her raw sensitivity, and her profound humanity. Her appearance on screen was, for us, immediately striking. We are drawn to her at once. She carries us along and never lets go. She is guided by a curious and loving gaze, one that elevates her in scenes that are often breathtaking.
On behalf of SACD’s authors, we are delighted to award our 2026 Special Jury Favorite to the film Shana, written and directed by Lila Pinell.”
Previous recipients of the Directors’ Fortnight Authors’ Special Jury Favorite:
Valéry Carnoy for La danse des renards (France, 2025), Sophie Fillières for Ma vie ma gueule (France, 2024), Pierre Creton for Un Prince (France, 2023), Thomas Salvador for La Montagne (France, 2022), Vincent Maël Cardona for Les Magnétiques (France, 2021), Rebecca Zlotowski for Une fille facile (France, 2019), Pierre Salvadori for En liberté ! (France, 2018), Claire Denis for Un beau soleil intérieur (France, 2017) and Philippe Garrel for L’amant d’un jour (France, 2017), Solveig Anspach for L’effet Aquatique (France, 2016), Arnaud Desplechin for Trois souvenirs de ma jeunesse (France, 2015), Thomas Cailley for Les Combattants (France, 2014), Guillaume Gallienne for Les garçons et Guillaume, à table ! (France, 2013), and Serge Bozon with a special mention for Tip Top (France, 2013), Noémie Lvovsky for Camille redouble (France, 2012), Bouli Lanners for Les Géants (Belgium, 2011), Olivier Masset-Depasse for Illégal (Belgium, 2010), Xavier Dolan for J’ai tué ma mère (Quebec, 2009), and Claire Simon for Les bureaux de Dieu (France, 2008).
