The Cannes Film Festival bestowed the Palme d'Or to a French film for the first time since 1987. Winner was "The Class" ("Entre les Murs") by director Laurent Cantet, who cast real teachers and students in his expose of dramas at a junior high school in a rough Parisian neighborhood.

Cantet called his stars "born actors, just terrific," as he accepted the award, adding, "The film we wanted to make was supposed to look like French society: multifaceted, lively and complex, with conflicts that the film was not going to try to gloss over."

"The Class" was the last of 22 films shown in competition to a jury comprising actress Natalie Portman and director Alfonso Cuaron and presided over by Sean Penn.

Steven Soderbergh's "Che" was considered an early fave to win the fest's top prize, but it received split reax from critics. "Che" ended up with the consolation prize of best actor for Benicio del Toro as the Latin American guerilla.

Best actress laurels were claimed by Sandra Corveloni as a pregnant Brazilian maid raising four sons in the Walter Salles and Daniela Thomas film "Linha de Passe."

Clint Eastwood's "Changeling," starring Angelina Jolie, received a prize for special recognition. READ MORE - CLICK HERE!

(Wire Image/ Haut et Court)