On the beautiful coast of southern France sits Cannes, home to the prestigious movie festival that awarded classic films like Taxi Driver, Apocalypse Now, La Dolce Vita, and Parasite with its highest honor, the Palme d’Or. Recognized as one of the Big Five film festivals, alongside Venice, Berlin, Toronto, and Sundance, Cannes Film Festival is held annually with all the glitz and glamor of the red carpet.
Originally called the International Film Festival, Cannes was established as a response to political interference in the Venice Film Festival by Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini. Propaganda films from their respective countries won in the 1938 film festival, so Cannes was created as an impartial platform for celebrating films from the world over. When the first festival was held on September 20, 1946, representatives from over 20 countries were in attendance, with a range of films presented from around the world. The iconic Palme d’Or was introduced in 1955 to reward filmmaking excellence, becoming the festival’s highest prize.
Every year, a small jury of distinguished film industry professionals from diverse backgrounds evaluates a curated selection of international films. Winning the Golden Palm not only boosts a film’s reputation and usually leads to commercial success, but also serves as the ultimate recognition for directors, marking them as masters of their craft.
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For filmmakers, actors, and cinephiles, attending Cannes is a pilgrimage that provides insight into the latest trends, new talent, and the full scope of the cinematic world. The festival’s lasting legacy has shaped the film industry, honoring the global impact of storytelling through cinema. Cannes and the Palme d’Or showcase creativity, cultural exchange, and artistic distinction, cementing their place in the history of cinema.
坎城位於法國南部美麗的海岸線上，這裡是享有盛譽的影展的舉辦地，該影展曾授予《計程車司機》、《現代啟示錄》、《生活的甜蜜》和《寄生上流》等經典電影其最高榮譽 ── 金棕櫚獎。作為與威尼斯、柏林、多倫多和日舞齊名的五大影展之一，坎城影展每年舉行一次，伴隨著紅地毯上的光彩與魅力。
坎城影展最初被稱為國際電影影展，是為了應對阿道夫‧希特勒和貝尼托‧墨索里尼對威尼斯影展的政治干涉而設立的。由於他們各自國家的宣傳片在1938年的威尼斯影展上獲獎，因此坎城影展被創建為一個公正的平臺，以頌揚世界各地的電影。1946年九月二十日舉行的第一屆影展上，有來自二十多個國家的代表出席，展示了來自世界各地的一系列影片。具代表性的金棕櫚獎於1955年推出，以獎勵優秀的電影製作，成為該影展的最高獎項。
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每年，由來自不同背景的傑出電影界專業人士組成的小型評審團會對精心挑選的國際影片進行評估。榮獲金棕櫚獎不僅提高一部電影的聲譽、往往造就商業上的成功，同時它也作為對導演的最終肯定，標誌著他們是自己領域的大師。
對於電影製作人、演員和電影迷來說，參加坎城影展是一次朝聖之旅，可以深入了解最新趨勢、新人才和電影界的全貌。該影展的長遠影響塑造了電影業，讚揚了透過電影講述故事所產生的全球影響力。坎城和金棕櫚獎展示了創造力、文化交流和藝術卓越，鞏固了它們在電影史上的地位。
What Did You Learn?
1. Why was Cannes Film Festival created in the first place?
2. Who is responsible for choosing the winner of the Palme d’Or?
參考答案
1. As a response to political interference in the Venice Film Festival by Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini as well as an impartial platform for celebrating films from the world over.
2. A small jury of distinguished film industry professionals from diverse backgrounds.
Words in use
1. prestigious a. 享有聲譽的
Harvard University is one of the most prestigious schools in the world.
哈佛大學是世界上最具聲譽的學校之一。
2. interference n. 干涉，妨礙
Katherine can’t put up with your constant interference in her affairs anymore.
凱瑟琳再也受不了你一直干涉她的事了。
3. respective a. 各自的
Ted drove his two sons to their respective schools.
泰德開車送他兩個兒子到各自的學校去。
4. impartial a. 公正的
The jury ensured an impartial judgment and decided that the murderer was guilty.
陪審團確保做出公正的判決，判定該殺人犯罪名成立。
5. iconic a. 有代表性的，指標性的
Tokyo Tower is an iconic landmark in Tokyo.
東京鐵塔是東京具代表性的地標。
Practical Phrases
1. be home to... 為……所在地∕發源地
Wall Street is home to America’s biggest financial companies.
華爾街是全美國最大金融公司聚集的所在地。
2. be recognized as... 被公認為……
The mysterious ritual is recognized as part of the cultural heritage of the country.
那項神祕的儀式被公認為該國的文化遺產之一。
3. in attendance 出席，參加
The conference came to an end early because only a few people were in attendance.
因為很少人參加，這場會議提早結束了。
4. serve as... 作為……之用
These lamps mainly serve as decorative pieces.
這些檯燈主要是拿來當作裝飾品用。
聽文章朗讀及講解: https://ivy.pse.is/455bfu
本文出自常春藤解析英語雜誌: www.ivy.com.tw
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