56th edition of the international film festival
The 56th Cannes Film Festival took place from 14 to 25 May 2003. French opera and theatre director, filmmaker, actor and producer Patrice Chéreau was the President of the Jury for the main competition. Monica Bellucci hosted the opening and closing ceremonies.
American filmmaker Gus Van Sant won the "Palme d'Or", the festival's top prize, for the drama film "Elephant", based on the Columbine High School massacre. Ingmar Bergman was awarded with the Honorary Palme d'Or for his contributions to cinema throughout his career.
The festival opened with "Fanfan la Tulipe" by Gérard Krawczyk, "and closed with " by Richard Schickel.
Juries.
The following people were appointed as the Jury for the various sections below:
Official selection.
In Competition.
The following feature films competed for the "Palme d'Or":
"Un Certain Regard".
The following films were selected for the competition of "Un Certain Regard":
Out of Competition.
The following films were selected to be screened out of competition:
"Cinéfondation".
The following short films were selected for the competition of Cinéfondation:
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Short film competition.
The following short films competed for the Short Film Palme d'Or:
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Parallel sections.
International Critics' Week.
The following films were screened for the 42nd International Critics' Week ("42e Semaine de la Critique"):
Feature film competition
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Short film competition
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Special screenings
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Directors' Fortnight.
Apart from 16 short films, the following feature films were screened for the 2003 Directors' Fortnight ("Quinzaine des Réalizateurs"): 
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Official Awards.
In Competition.
The following films and people received the 2003 Official selection awards:
References.
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