American filmmaker Quentin Tarantino served as jury president for the main competition.

While American filmmaker Michael Moore won the Palme d'Or for the documentary film Fahrenheit 9/11, becoming the first (and only) documentary to win the festival's main prize.

[2][3][4] The festival opening film was Bad Education directed by Pedro Almodóvar,[5] while De-Lovely directed by Irwin Winkler was the closing film.

The following films were projected in the "Salle Buñuel" during the festival.

[10][11] The following films were screened for the 43rd International Critics' Week (43e Semaine de la Critique):[12] Competition Short Films Competition Special Screenings The following films were screened for the 2004 Directors' Fortnight (Quinzaine des Réalizateurs):[13] The following films and people received the 2004 Official selection awards:[2][3][14]