Johnny Depp teams up with Maiwenn in a film where he portrays Louis as the Cannes Film Festival opens with a bang. Jeanne du Barry will officially debut at the 76th Cannes gathering on a day when Michael Douglas receives the Palme d’Or.
Depp’s appearance sparked discussion in the U.S. media, with lingering questions about past accusations from ex-wives. While critics have weighed in, the actor remains active and in the spotlight, continuing to build his career on screen.
Maiwenn’s outspoken nature added another layer of controversy in France, particularly surrounding an incident with a journalist who also directed the movie. The episode, discussed on a television program, reflects the high temperature surrounding the festival atmosphere.
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All the buzz around these productions has heightened anticipation for Cannes. The festival presents the project on a non-competitive track, while the red carpet moments are set to mark the team’s first walk at Cannes this year.
At the opening gala, the presence of Michael Douglas to receive the Palme d’Or will be celebrated during a ceremony hosted by Chiara Mastroianni. The festival highlights this honor as recognition for Douglas’s remarkable career and his lifelong commitment to cinema.
The premiere that signals the start of a twelve-day cinema event also features the excitement of the crowd as Martin Scorsese takes the stage along with Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro. The industry veteran steps back into the shoes of a beloved character as the event unfolds, showing that the festival continues to attract iconic talent and passionate audiences alike.
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Pedro Almodóvar presents a bold new work titled Strange Lifestyle with a cast including Ethan Hawke and Pedro Pascal, a project that is not racing to Cannes this year but remains one of the most anticipated entries. Meanwhile Wes Anderson unveils his latest spree titled Asteroid City, partially filmed in the Spanish town of Chinchón and featuring Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, Margot Robbie, Tilda Swinton, and Bryan Cranston among the stars.
The festival also features new projects from renowned filmmakers such as Ken Loach, Hirokazu Kore-eda, Nanni Moretti, Todd Haynes, Marco Bellocchio, and Wim Wenders, all vying for the Palme d’Or.
The jury for the Palme d’Or will be chaired by Swedish filmmaker Ruben Östlund, with Damián Szifron and Brie Larson included on the panel for the prize announcements on the festival’s final day. Until then, audiences can enjoy a range of non-competitive titles, including Victor Erice’s debut in 31 years, Cerrando los ojos, and The Idol series, starring The Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp. Latin American talent also features prominently with Amat Escalante, Lisandro Alonso, and Kleber Mendonça Filho contributing to the week’s lineup.