Preparations Underway for 78th Edition with Notable Films and Celebrities
The Cannes Film Festival, the world’s most prestigious film event, is gearing up for its 78th edition from May 13 to 24 in the French Riviera town. This year’s festival features two Spanish films and one Brazilian entry in competition, alongside Hollywood stars like Tom Cruise and Scarlett Johansson. However, there’s a sense of tension due to U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed 100% tariffs on foreign-produced films.
Key Figures and Their Roles
Thierry Frémaux, the festival’s delegate general, expressed cautious optimism regarding Trump’s tariff plans: “I propose we address this matter in a year, as it has just been mentioned. I’d like to respond to a question based on statements from a U.S. president who has been known for saying one thing and then adding more details, contradicting himself over the past few months.”
Opening Night and Anticipated Guests
The festival kicks off with legendary actor Robert de Niro receiving an honorary Palme d’Or. Known for his criticism of Trump, de Niro’s presence is expected to add a spark to the opening ceremony. Cruise will present the eighth (and potentially final) installment of “Mission: Impossible,” showcasing his signature stunts without doubles.
- Scarlett Johansson and Kristen Stewart, both making their directorial debuts, are expected to walk the red carpet.
- Joaquin Phoenix, Paul Mescal, and Emma Stone are also anticipated to attend.
The jury members, led by French actress Juliette Binoche, have already arrived.
Competition Highlights: A Diverse Lineup
Twenty-two films vie for the Palme d’Or, with seven directed by women—matching the record set in 2023. Among them is Spanish filmmaker Carla Simón, who presents “Romería,” a film about a teenager remembering her late parents who died of AIDS. Another Spanish director, Oliver Laxe, competes with “Sirat,” featuring Spanish actor Sergi López.
Brazilian director Kleber Mendonça Filho returns with “The Secret Agent,” set during Brazil’s military dictatorship. The festival’s competitive lineup includes familiar names like Belgian brothers Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne, as well as Wes Anderson’s star-studded cast. Lesser-known names, such as American director Ari Aster (“Midsommar”), are also part of the selection.
“The Feminist Wave” in Un Certain Regard
In the second-most important section, Un Certain Regard, several Latin American titles are featured. Colombian director Simón Mesa Soto brings “Un Poeta,” while Chilean director Diego Céspedes presents his debut, “The Mysterious Gaze of Flamenco.”
Chilean filmmaker Sebastián Lelio, known for “A Fantastic Woman,” will screen “The Perfect Wave,” a musical about Chile’s 2018 feminist movement, outside of competition.
- Gael García Bernal stars in “Magallanes,” directed by Filipino filmmaker Lav Diaz, a lengthy film about the famous Portuguese navigator.
- Mexican actor Bernal might cross paths with friend and director Alejandro González Iñárritu, who will celebrate the 25th anniversary of “Amores Perros” at the festival.
Unlike last year, when several Argentine films premiered, this year’s lineup features few Argentine entries. Festival delegate Frémaux lamented the Argentine government’s reduction of film sector support, leading to a decline in local films’ international presence.
