‘Conqueror’ Cannes Best Film

The Danish movie “Pelle the Conqueror” today won the Golden Palm award as best film of the 41st Cannes Film Festival. French film star Gerard Depardieu presented the coveted prize to Danish director Bille August.

The prize for best actor went to Forest Whitaker for his portrayal of jazz great Charlie Parker in the American film “Bird,” directed by Clint Eastwood. Three performers shared the best actress award--American Barbara Hershey, South African Linda Mvusi and 13-year-old Jodhi May of Britain. The three appeared in the British film “A World Apart,” dealing with South African apartheid, which also won the festival’s Special Jury Grand Prize.