When the magic of cinema meets the glamor of the Côte d’Azur, it can only mean one thing: the Cannes Film Festival is back for its 77th edition, scheduled for May 14 to 25. The true epicenter of international cinema, Cannes is preparing to roll out its famous red carpet welcoming directors, actors and film buffs from all walks of life in a whirlwind of glamor and exceptional screenings. With actress Camille Cottin as mistress of the opening and closing ceremonies, this edition promises to be a memorable event, bringing together talents from around the world to celebrate the seventh art in all its splendor.
The presidency of the feature film jury was entrusted to the talented Greta Gerwig, American director of the film barbie, 14th biggest success at the worldwide box office. Xavier Dolan, an emblematic director of contemporary cinema who is now retired, will be president of the jury for the Un Certain Regard prize. This prestigious role gives him the responsibility of leading the jury responsible for evaluating the films selected in this specific category recognized for highlighting innovative and daring works that offer a fresh and often experimental look.
Cannes Film Festival 2024: who are the stars to watch?
As the festival approaches, the spotlight will shine not only on the films in competition, but also on the celebrities who will walk the red carpet. Unfortunately, the 2023 Hollywood actors’ and writers’ strike has had a significant impact on American productions, which could reduce the presence of stars. Nevertheless, among the most anticipated events, the screening of Furiosathe new part of the saga Mad Max, directed by George Miller and worn by Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth, promises to be a highlight of this 77th edition. At the same time, the big return of Kevin Costner with the western film Horizon, An American Saga already arouses curiosity.
The festival will open on a note of originality with the latest film by Quentin Dupieux, The second act, out of competition, which will see the arrival of its star-studded cast: Léa Seydoux, Louis Garrel, Vincent Lindon, as well as Raphaël Quenard. At the same time, fifty years after director Francis Ford Coppola won his very first Palme d’Or with the film Secret conversationhis name will resound once again in the corridors of the Croisette, carrying with it the aura of a highly anticipated return with his film Megalopolis.
Noémie Merlant with the film adaptation EmmanuelleDaniel Auteuil with Thread presented out of competition, as well as Selena Gomez and Zoe Saldaña with Emilia Perez by Jacques Audiard are also expected in front of photographers and the crowd of fans and curious people. Also, don’t forget that this event is an opportunity to discover new talents. So, keep your eyes open for young shoots who could well climb the steps of the Croisette for the first time!
What are the favorite films in official competition?
The 2024 vintage of the Cannes Film Festival promises to be a true cinematographic feast, highlighting an official selection that is as diverse as it is exceptional. Among the many films in competition this year, some immediately stand out as favorites of the public and critics. Works such as The Apprentice by Ali Abbasi, Motel Destino by Karim Aïnouz, Bird by Andrea Arnold, or even Emilia Perez by Jacques Audiard are particularly anticipated. Add to this list Megalopolis by Francis Ford Coppola, as mentioned above, The Shrouds by David Cronenberg, and Limonov, the Ballad by Kirill Serebrennikov.
Aside from these heavyweights, the official competition also offers a range of films from promising arthouses and intriguing newcomers: Anora by Sean Baker, Grand Tour by Miguel Gomes, as well as Pigen med Nalen by Magnus Von Horn. With such a variety of films in the running for the Palme d’Or, this year promises to be a memorable edition, full of discoveries and highlights.
When was the Cannes Film Festival born?
The Cannes Film Festival, formerly known as the Cannes International Film Festival, began in 1939, seven years after the birth of the Venice Film Festival. That year should have marked its first edition, but plans were thwarted by World War II. Thus, the festival had to wait several years to rise from its ashes, in 1946, where it finally took place for the first time. Since then, the Cannes Film Festival has become a must-see event in the world of cinema, taking place every year, with a few exceptions. In fact, it had to be canceled only three times, in 1948, 1950 and 2020.
Small anecdote: 80 years after the birth of the initial project, in November 2019, in the city of Orléans, the 1939 edition of the festival was recreated. The films considered to be selected that year were viewed and evaluated by a jury chaired by filmmaker Amos Gitaï. The Grand Prize of this special edition was awarded to the film Mr. Smith in the Senatedirected by Franck Capra.
Who are the most awarded directors at the Cannes Film Festival?
At the Cannes Film Festival, the Palme d’Or is a prestigious award coveted by many directors around the world. Some spend their entire career dreaming of this award, while others are exceptionally lucky to obtain it, sometimes even twice. Among these privileged people, only ten directors have distinguished themselves by winning the Palme d’Or twice: Billie August, Francis Ford Coppola, the Dardenne brothers, Michael Haneke, Shōhei Imamura, Emir Kusturica, Alf Sjöberg, Ruben Östlund and finally, Ken Loach with 15 selections since 1946.
Also note that the same year, a record was set with the presence of six women directors in the main selection. This increased representation of women in creative leadership roles is significant because it speaks to a progressive and positive change in the film industry.
Can we attend the Cannes Film Festival?
Unlike the Oscars and the César Awards, the Cannes Film Festival is not exclusively reserved for film industry professionals and journalists. Although they benefit from priority access thanks to their accreditation, the festival remains open to film buffs wishing to discover the films presented. Screenings on the beach in Cannes are notably offered freely to all, offering a unique experience of its kind.
For those who aspire to experience the festival from the inside, it is also possible to enter the emblematic projection rooms, including the prestigious Grand Théâtre Lumière. Cannes residents often benefit from special invitations, while loyal customers of the event’s partner brands may also be offered places. Cinema lovers who have anticipated this can try to obtain special accreditation, Cannes Cinéphiles. However, the 2021 introduction of the festival’s ticketing app has significantly reduced the chances of accessing sessions without a badge via the last-minute queue, making it virtually impossible to gain access without prior booking.
Where and how to follow the 2024 Cannes Film Festival?
Do you dream of following the 2024 Cannes Film Festival but can’t get there? No problem ! It is possible to enjoy the event thanks to the Cannes TV Festival, a collaboration between France Télévisions and the digital media Brut. You will be able to immerse yourself in the heart of the excitement of the Croisette, wherever you are, and attend the rises of the steps, the press conferences, the photo sessions, as well as the official events. The channel is broadcast in French and English in the Palace, on its exterior screens and in the hotels on the Croisette, but above all, it is accessible on France.tv, Culture Box, Brut. Cannes, YouTube, and of course, on the official website of the Cannes Film Festival.
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What were the most notable moments of the 2023 Cannes Film Festival?
With a rich and varied program, the 2023 edition of the Cannes Film Festival opened with Chiara Mastroianni shining brightly as mistress of ceremonies. Ruben Östlund, crowned with the Palme d’Or the previous year, chaired a jury of diverse talents, promising a most demanding selection. The competition was fierce, with notable works such as Anatomy of a fall by Justine Triet, who ultimately won the prestigious Palme d’Or, before winning six Césars and an Oscar. Other films, like The Zone of Interest by Jonathan Glazer and Asteroid City by Wes Anderson, were also at the heart of the discussions, reflecting the richness of the official selection that year.
During this edition, the arrival of Johnny Depp caused a stir, opening the ball on controversial notes due to the accusations against him. However, the Festival was also the scene of lighter moments, with the luminous presence of his daughter, Lily-Rose Depp, as well as the glamorous appearances of Natalie Portman, Marion Cotillard and Cate Blanchet. In addition, a vibrant tribute was paid to Jean-Luc Godard, a genius Franco-Swiss filmmaker who died in September 2022.
Photo credits: Pool / Bestimages