The 14th Cannes Film Festival was held from 3 to 18 May 1961. The Palme d'Or went to the Une aussi longue absence, directed by Henri Colpi and Viridiana, directed by Luis Buñuel. The festival opened with Che gioia vivere, directed by René Clément. The festival also screened Shirley Clarke's debut film The Connection due to the efforts of the French Syndicate of Cinema Critics. The success of the film caused the festival to create International Critics' Week the following year.

Jury

The following people were appointed as the Jury of the 1961 competition: Feature films Short films

Feature film competition

The following feature films competed for the Palme d'Or:

Out of competition

The following film was selected to be screened out of competition:

Short film competition

The following short films competed for the Short Film Palme d'Or:

Awards

Official awards

The following films and people received the 1961 awards: Short films

Independent awards

FIPRESCI Commission Supérieure Technique OCIC Award Other awards

Media