(Cover) - EN Movies - Kirsten Dunst has thanked Cannes organisers for allowing Melancholia to remain in the competition despite the controversy surrounding it.

The Hollywood actress won the best actress prize at the Cannes International Film Festival yesterday, with the prestigious movie event coming to a close.

Kirsten was thrilled with the honour, and when accepting the gong thanked the festival's organisers for permitting Melancholia to stay in the competition following director Lars von Trier's shocking comments about Nazism last week.

"This is an honour that's once in a lifetime. Thank you to the Cannes Film Festival for allowing the film to still be in competition," said Kirsten.

When promoting the sci-fi thriller Lars had shockingly described himself as a "Nazi", and described Israel as a "pain in the ass". He was later labelled a "persona non grata" by Cannes organisers, although Kirsten made sure she paid tribute to the moviemaker.

"I want to thank Lars for giving me the opportunity to be so brave in this film. Its such a special night for me," she added.

Other big names who were honoured by the nine-member Cannes jury, which was headed by Robert De Niro and included stars Jude Law and Uma Thurman, were Jean Dujardin and Nicolas Winding Refn. French star Jean won the best actor prize for silent black-and-white romance The Artist, which was a huge hit at the festival. Danish moviemaker Nicolas scooped best director for action drama Drive, which stars Ryan Gosling and Carey Mulligan.

Terrence Malick's fantasy drama Tree of Life took home the prestigious Palme D'Or prize.

Winner of the Cannes International Film Festival 2011:

Palme d'Or

The Tree Of Life Director: Terrence Malick

Grand Prix (tie)

The Kid with a Bike Directors: Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne

Once Upon A Time In Anatolia Director: Nuri Bilge Ceylan

Best Director

Nicolas Winding Refn for Drive

Best Actor

Jean Dujardin for The Artist

Best Actress

Kirsten Dunst for Melancholia

Best Screenplay

Joseph Cedar for Footnote

Jury Prize

Polisse Director: Mawenn

Best First Film

Las Acacias Director: Pablo Giorgelli

Short Film Palme d'Or

Cross-Country Director: Maryna Vroda (C) Cover Media