The 53rd Cannes Film Festival started on 14 May and ran until 25 May 2000. French film director, screenwriter, and producer Luc Besson was the Jury President. The Palme d'Or went to the Danish film Dancer in the Dark by Lars von Trier. The festival opened with Vatel, directed by Roland Joffé and closed with Stardom, directed by Denys Arcand. Virginie Ledoyen was the mistress of ceremonies.