Lars Von Trier Banned From Cannes

Lars Von Trier may have apologized for his bizarre “Nazi” comments during yesterday’s Melancholia press conference, but the Cannes Film Festival organizers apparently don’t care. After a special Board of Directors meeting today, they issued a formal announcement labeling Von Trier “a persona non grata at the Festival de Cannes, with effect immediately,” Deadline reports. The statement—which effectively bans him from Cannes—calls Von Trier’s remarks “unacceptable, intolerable, and contrary to the ideals of humanity and generosity that preside over the very existence of the Festival.”

The head of the festival press office says Von Trier's Melancholia remains in competition but that if it wins anything at Sunday's closing ceremony, Von Trier "won't be there to receive the prize." Click to read Von Trier’s original comments. (More Lars Von Trier stories.)