The Cannes Film Festival opened on May 17 – with stars like Eva Longoria and the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj.
The 75th Cannes International Film Festival has opened. At the beginning not only numerous stars strutted down the red carpet, Volodymyr Selenskyj (44) also addressed the audience, reports the “New York Times”. The President of Ukraine was connected via satellite on May 17 before the opening film “Coupez!”, a French zombie comedy directed by Michel Hazanavicius (55), was shown.
Selenskyj quoted, among other things, from “The Great Dictator”, Charlie Chaplin’s (1889-1977) satire on fascism. After his speech, which lasted several minutes, the audience responded with standing ovations. Hollywood actress Julianne Moore (61) then officially opened the festival.
As expected, top international stars such as Moore, Forest Whitaker (60) and Eva Longoria (47) walked the red carpet beforehand. German celebrities such as Emilia Schüle (29) and Caro Daur (27) were also present. The nine-member jury headed by the French star Vincent Lindon (62), who decides on the winner of the Palme d’Or, could not be missing either. The members also include the Swedish actress Noomi Rapace (42) and her British colleague Rebecca Hall (40).
Palm of honor for Forest Whitaker
During the opening ceremony, Whitaker was honored with a Palm of Honor in Gold. It was a “great honor” for him to celebrate “the power of artists” with everyone present today, the actor said, according to a report by industry magazine Variety. They are “the world’s torchbearers, telling the story of mankind.”
There are 21 films in competition for the Palme d’Or this year. Included are David Cronenberg’s (79) “Crimes of the Future” with Kristen Stewart (32), Viggo Mortensen (63) and Léa Seydoux (36) as well as “Armageddon Time” with Anne Hathaway (39) and Anthony Hopkins (84 ).
Out of competition, Tom Cruise (59) will show his action sequel “Top Gun: Maverick” on May 18 and Baz Luhrmann’s (59) biopic “Elvis” will also celebrate its world premiere on the French Riviera. The graduation ceremony will then take place on the evening of May 28th.
