The Festival de Cannes kicks off with star power, political undertones, and a Depardieu shadow
The 78th Festival de Cannes launches Tuesday on the French Riviera, promising a glittering 12-day showcase of cinema heavyweights, political statements, and Hollywood spectacle—all under the cloud of Gérard Depardieu’s sexual assault conviction hours earlier.
Star-studded lineup
Tom Cruise returns Wednesday with Mission: Impossible – The Final Recoking, three years after Top Gun: Maverick’s triumphant debut.
The competition features 22 Palme d’Or contenders, including Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme, Julia Ducournau’s Alpha, and Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest. Juliette Binoche leads a jury with Halle Berry and Jeremy Strong.
Politics takes center stage
The festival opens with a Ukraine-focused day, screening three documentaries—including Mstyslav Chernov’s follow-up to 20 Days in Mariupol. The timing is pointed, with President Trump’s proposed tariffs on foreign films sparking industry unease. “We wouldn’t want American cinema to weaken,” said artistic director Thierry Frémaux, dodging direct criticism.
Depardieu’s absent shadow
The conviction of France’s disgraced icon for assaulting two women on set casts a pall. Meanwhile, Kristen Stewart and Scarlett Johansson debut as directors in Un Certain Regard—a nod to Cannes’ evolving landscape.
Nostalgia meets new wave
A restored The Gold Rush marks Chaplin’s centenary, contrasting with fresh visions like Ari Aster’s Eddington.
After 2024’s Oscar-rich lineup (Anora, The Substance), Cannes again bets on bold storytelling—with real-world drama off-screen.
Closing May 24; Palme d’Or winner to be decided by Binoche’s jury.
