Cannes (PTI): French filmmaker Jacques Audiard’s gripping prison drama A Prophet is tipped to walk away with the Palme d’Or as the curtain falls on one of the world’s greatest cinematic events on Sunday.

Audiard’s A Prophet has topped various critics polls, making it a favourite to win the coveted trophy. The film revolves around the mesmerising tale of a young French-Arab man, who learns to survive in the prison.

A Prophet narrowly edged past the other 19 contenders but it is not easy to predict what the jury led by Isabella Huppert, which also includes actor Sharmila Tagore, will ultimately put its finger on.

France had won the Palme last year with its docu-drama A Class.

The other frontrunners amongst the lot are filmmakers Pedro Almodovar, Ken Loach, Jane Campion, Michael Haneke and Jacques Audiard.

New Zealand’s director Jane Campion has also received a favourable review for her period piece, Bright Star.

The director, who won her first Palme d’Or in 1993 for The Piano, has brought alive the 19th century England in her film, which traces the love story between a young Keats and his Hamstead neighbour, Fanny Brawne.

Pedro Almodovar’s Broken Embraces may not be as fantastical as the Spanish director’s last work, Volver but it is in the list of probables to clinch the top honours.