The 64th Cannes Film Festival took place from 11 to 22 May 2011. American actor Robert De Niro served as the president of the jury for the main competition. American filmmaker Terrence Malick won the Palme d'Or, the festival's top prize, for the drama film The Tree of Life.
Italian film director Bernardo Bertolucci was presented with the Honorary Palme d'Or during the opening ceremony of the festival. The official poster for the festival featured a 1970's photo of American actress Faye Dunaway. Mélanie Laurent hosted the opening and closing ceremonies.
Jailed Iranian filmmmakers Jafar Panahi and Mohammad Rasoulof were honoured at the festival.