Abdellatif Kechiche’s film about a lesbian romance has taken the Palm D’Or at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. The Tunisian-born director dedicated his win to "the youth of France" and the Tunisian revolution, where "they have the aspiration to be free, to express themselves and love in full freedom."

Perhaps the film’s triumph is rooted in context. Gay marriage is slowly, and rightly, being written into law in most countries, and this film addresses a young couple struggling with a lesbian relationship. "I think it will get a lot of play ... I think this film carries a very strong message, a very positive message," Spielberg – head judge as this year’s festival -told journalists. "It was the perfect choice between those two actresses and this incredible very sensitive and observant filmmaker." Inside Llewyn Davis – the new film from The Coen Brothers – was considered to be the favourite, but Blue Is The Warmest Colour has taken the prize. "Everyone who is against same-sex marriage or love between two people of the same sex must see the film," he told Reuters.

Spielberg added: "It was an obvious conclusion that without Léa and Adèle, the synergy could not have happened. If the casting had been even slightly different, if anything had been a little left of centre, it wouldn't have worked. It was the perfect choice from a sensitive film-maker."

Steven SpielbergSpielberg is this year's head judge