Cannes Film Festival kicks into full swing for 75th anniversary
THE Cannes Film Festival is gearing up for a bumper 75th anniversary edition, with a selection of big Hollywood names, buzzy newcomers and previous Palme d’Or winners – a splashy return, even as the conflict in Ukraine looms over festivities.
“I honestly think this is one of the best Cannes line-ups in years,” said Scott Roxborough, European bureau chief for The Hollywood Reporter.
The festival is currently on until May 28, resuming its traditional calendar following two years of pandemic disruptions.
It was cancelled in 2020, and last year moved to July, when it was held under strict Covid-19 protocols.
This year, the parties are back and Hollywood heavyweights will include Tom Cruise’s Top Gun Maverick – bringing the star to Cannes for the first time in three decades – as well as Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis biopic, starring Austin Butler and Tom Hanks.
Actor Forest Whitaker will be on hand to receive the festival’s Honorary Palme D'Or for lifetime achievement.
David Cronenberg will mark his return to horror films with Crimes of the Future, featuring Viggo Mortensen, Kristen Stewart and Lea Seydoux.
There will also be a strong showing from Asia, despite the absence of China, with films by Park Chanwook and Hirokazu Kore-eda in competition and Squid Game actor Lee Jung-jae premiering his new film Hunt.
“Everyone wants to sort of come back for this moment, sort of this re-awakening of cinema here in Cannes,” said Roxborough.
The festival opened yesterday with a zombie film, Final cut, by French film-maker Michel Hazanavicius.