Cannes, France 每 Tao Okamoto became the first Japanese to win the best actress award at the Cannes Film Festival on Saturday, sharing the honor with Belgium＊s Virginie Efira for their roles in the drama ※All of a Sudden§ by Japan＊s Ryusuke Hamaguchi.
The 3-hour and 16-minute film tells the story of a theater director battling cancer, played by Okamoto, 41, and a care facility director, played by Efira, 49, who form a deep friendship. It also stars Kyozo Nagatsuka and Kodai Kurosaki. It will be released in Japan on June 19.
Two Japanese actors have previously won the best actor award. At age 14, Yuya Yagira made history by becoming the youngest-ever winner of the best actor award for his turn in Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda＊s ※Nobody Knows,§ while Koji Yakusho won the accolade in 2023 for his leading role in Wim Wenders＊ ※Perfect Days.§
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