Ken Loach won his second Palme d'Or - the festival's highest honour - for I, Daniel Blake, a social-realist drama about a disabled carpenter struggling with the red tape of the benefits system. The director, who turns 80 next month, returned from retirement to make the film, and took to the stage at the Palais to address the audience in French.

"The festival is very important for the future of cinema," he said, instructing all present to "stay strong."

Loach continued by saying it was "very strange" to received the award in such glamorous surroundings, considering the conditions endured by those people who inspired the film.

"When there is despair, the people from the far right take advantage," said Loach. "We must say that another world is possible and necessary."

Jury member Donald Sutherland praised I, Daniel Blake as "an absolutely terrific movie that resonates in your heart and soul," backstage during a press conference.