Directed by Laurent Cantet, the picture based on an autobiographical novel by Francois Begaudeau, was the first French winner in Cannes since 1987.

It is likely to be a popular choice with critics, who praised its naturalistic portrayal of the energy and high tension of the classroom as well as its exploration of universal themes of race, individuality, and truth.

"The Class" comes at time when problems in overcrowded French schools and youth violence have become hot political issues.

"I think it would be good for all those people who claim to be able to judge youth ... in two or three aphorisms to learn something new about youth," said Begaudeau, who also plays the central teacher in the film. "It's essentially a film for adults even though I hope young people will also enjoy the film."

It was one of 22 movies in the main competition in Cannes, and yesterday's glamorous red carpet prize ceremony ended 12 hectic days of screenings, interviews and late night revelry for actors, producers, directors and journalists.

The Grand Prix runner-up prize went to Italy's "Gomorra" (Gomorrah), Matteo Garrone's hard-hitting film about the world of the Camorra Naples crime network whose empire extends from waste disposal to haute couture.