Lars von Trier's film was declared "the most misogynist movie from the self-proclaimed biggest director in the world" by an Ecumenical Jury which every year hands out a prize to a Cannes film that celebrates spiritual values.

This year it went to Ken Loach's "Looking for Eric," but the jury was so shocked by Von Trier's film -- which closes with a shot of a clitoris being sliced off with rusty scissors -- that it felt the need to award a special "anti-prize."

Cannes festival director Thierry Fremaux reacted furiously.

It was a "ridiculous decision that borders on a call for censorship, (it is) scandalous coming from an 'ecumenical' jury which what is more is headed by a film-maker," he told AFP.

Critics gasped, jeered and hooted -- and at least four people fainted -- during a preview of the movie, one of 20 films competing for the Palme d'Or top award to be handed out Sunday.