The 24th Cannes Film Festival took place from 12 to 27 May 1971.

French actress Michèle Morgan served as jury president for the main competition.

[4][5] The Grand Prix du Festival International du Film, then the fetival's main prize, was awarded to The Go-Between by Joseph Losey.

[6] This edition paid tribute to Charlie Chaplin and honored him with the title of Commander of the national order of the Legion of Honor.

[7][8] The festival opened with Gimme Shelter by David Maysles, Albert Maysles and Charlotte Zwerin, and closed with The Married Couple of the Year Two by Jean-Paul Rappeneau.