Virginie Efira and Tao Okamoto shared the Best Actress award at the 79th Cannes Film Festival for their performances in Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s All of a Sudden. The jury’s joint selection recognized two distinct portrayals within a single ensemble-driven narrative.
Hamaguchi, whose previous work has earned international acclaim, presented a story that unfolds with deliberate pacing and emotional restraint. Efira, a Belgian French actor, and Okamoto, working in a Japanese production, appeared together in scenes that anchor the film’s central mystery.
The acting prize was among several honors distributed during the closing ceremony presided over by Park Chan-wook. Festival critics noted that shared awards have become more common when juries seek to acknowledge equally compelling work.
All of a Sudden generated extensive critical discussion during the festival for its narrative structure and performances. The dual Best Actress recognition placed Hamaguchi’s film among the most decorated entries of the 2026 competition alongside Palme d’Or winner Fjord.
Virginie Efira and Tao Okamoto received the shared Best Actress honor for their work in Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s All of a Sudden. The 79th Cannes jury, chaired by Park Chan-wook, selected both performers in a joint award that recognized complementary contributions to the film’s emotional arc.
Hamaguchi’s All of a Sudden was among the most discussed acting showcases of the 2026 Cannes competition alongside the Palme d’Or-winning Fjord.
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Sources:
https://www.goldderby.com/film/2026/2026-cannes-film-festival-fjord-palme-dor-winners-list/