Tao Okamoto and Virginie Efira shared the Best Actress award at the 79th Cannes Film Festival on May 23 [1, 2, 3].
The win marks a historic milestone for Japanese cinema, as Okamoto is the first Japanese actress to receive this specific honor [3].
Both actresses were recognized for their performances in the film "Suddenly Feeling Unwell," directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi [1, 2, 3]. The jury praised the acting in the production, leading to the joint award for the two leads [2, 3].
Okamoto, 41, and Efira, 49, accepted the award during the ceremony held in Cannes, France [1, 2]. The event concluded on Saturday, though the news reached Japan in the early hours of Sunday [2].
"I am very moved," Okamoto said. "Thanks to everyone who chose me, an ordinary Japanese actress like myself can stand here" [4].
The recognition comes ahead of the film's general release. "Suddenly Feeling Unwell" is scheduled to premiere on June 19 [4].
The 79th edition of the festival continues to highlight international collaborations, with this joint win reflecting the global appeal of Hamaguchi's direction and the chemistry between the lead performers [1, 3].
“Okamoto is the first Japanese actress to ever receive this specific honor”
This award represents a significant breakthrough for Japanese performers on the global stage. By becoming the first Japanese national to win the Best Actress prize at Cannes, Okamoto elevates the international profile of Japanese acting talent and underscores the growing influence of director Ryusuke Hamaguchi in contemporary world cinema.
