The Cannes Film Festival opens Tuesday on the French Riviera, launching a two-week showcase of world premieres, red-carpet glamour, fashion and global cinema competition.
A total of 22 films will compete for the Palme d’Or, to be awarded May 23.
The lineup features established directors, including Spain’s Pedro Almodóvar, Japan’s Hirokazu Kore-eda and Romania’s Cristian Mungiu, alongside emerging filmmakers such as Belgium’s Lukas Dhont and France’s Léa Mysius.
Festival organizers said anticipation is high for titles including South Korea’s “Hope,” directed by Na Hong-jin, and Kore-eda’s AI-themed project “Sheep in the Box.”
“This year’s selection reflects both tradition and bold new voices in global cinema,” organizers said.
The jury will be led by South Korea’s Park Chan-wook and includes U.S. actress Demi Moore.
Unlike previous years, no major Hollywood studios are launching blockbuster films at Cannes, a shift attributed to cost concerns and digital-first marketing strategies.
One of the festival’s headline appearances will come from actor John Travolta, who will present his directorial debut, “Propeller One-Way Night Coach.”
Major stars expected on the red carpet include Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver, Rami Malek, Javier Bardem, Kristen Stewart and Woody Harrelson.
Honours will also be presented to Barbra Streisand and filmmaker Peter Jackson for lifetime achievements.
Russian director Andrey Zvyagintsev will return with “Minotaur,” his first film since 2017, following illness and exile after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
