The 52nd Cannes Film Festival took place from 12 to 23 May 1999.

[2] Canadian filmmaker David Cronenberg served as jury president for the main competition.

Kristin Scott Thomas was the host for the opening and closing ceremonies.

[3] Belgian filmmakers Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne won the Palme d'Or, the festival's top prize, for the drama film Rosetta.

[4][5] The festival opened with The Barber of Siberia by Nikita Mikhalkov, and closed with An Ideal Husband by Oliver Parker.