South Korean director Bong Joon-Ho wins Palme d'Or

South Korean director Bong Joon-Ho wins Palme d'Or"Parasite," a wickedly humourous suspense movie about class struggles directed by South Korea's Bong Joon-Ho, won the top Palme d'Or prize at the Cannes Film Festival on Saturday.

A night to remember for Bong Joon-Ho, the first South Korean director to win the top Palme d'Or prize at the Cannes film festival.

His movie "Parasite" was widely acclaimed for blending dark comedy with suspense.

It features a working class family of four in South Korea who worm their way into jobs in a wealthy household.

Bong said he was was surprised at his win.

PALME D'OR WINNING DIRECTOR BONG JOON-HO SAYING:

"My head was completely blank when they read out my name but Mr Song (actor Song Kang-ho) just grabbed onto me and shook me so I was physically shaken!"

Women also received recognition.

Four female directors were in contention for this year's Palme d'Or out of 21 entries.

Mati Diop the first black woman to vie for the award.

Taking home the Grand Prix title for her movie "Atlantics".

DIRECTOR OF "ATLANTICS" AND WINNER OF CANNES FILM FESTIVAL GRAND PRIX, MATI DIOP, SAYING:

" I think it's indeed something symbolically important because it just didn't happen before. "

Britian's Emily Beecham scooped the award for best actress for her performance in "Little Joe" and Spain's Antonio Banderas won the male acting prize for his role in Pedro Almodovar's "Pain And Glory".

As well as the usual glitz and glamour, Cannes also tilted towards politics.

French director Ladj Ly's movie "Les Miserables", a timely tale of police violence, won the Jury prize - effectively the bronze award - alongside the Brazilian movie "Bacurau".

Ly called on French President Emmanuel Macron to watch his movie,saying it could provide insight into the wave of demonstrations that have gripped France since last November.

The director said the Elysee Palace was setting up a screening. (Reuters)