CANNES, France โ The prestigious Cannes Film Festival is back in action, dazzling the French Riviera for two weeks as it opens its 78th edition. Hereโs what to keep an eye on at this yearโs festival:
**Early Oscar Buzz**
While it might feel premature, Cannes is the unofficial launch pad for Oscar campaigns. The festival has a track record of spotlighting films that go on to win big at the Academy Awards. Recent successes include Bong Joon Hoโs โParasiteโ and โAnoraโ by Sean Baker, which both started their journeys here. As the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences expands its international voting base, the importance of Cannes in Oscar discussions only grows. This year, three Cannes filmsโโAnora,โ โEmilia Perez,โ and โThe Substanceโโearned spots as Oscar contenders, demonstrating the potent influence of the Cannes film buzz. Last year saw the surprise win of the Latvian animated film โFlow,โ which clinched the Oscar attention post its Cannes debut.
**The Palme dโOr Contenders**
Before turning eyes to the Oscars, Cannes finalists vie for the coveted Palme dโOr. The award process remains shrouded in mystery with private jury deliberations led by Juliette Binoche this year, making the winner unpredictable. Still, thereโs no shortage of hypothesizing on whoโll triumph. The competition pits past Palme winners like Julia Ducournau, with her return offering โAlpha,โ against Alberto Canezoโs heartfelt entry, โThe Young Motherโs Home,โ crafted in partnership with Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne. The line-up includes newcomers and recurring directors alikeโLynne Ramsayโs emotionally gripping โDie, My Love,โ Jafar Panahiโs โA Simple Accidentโ and Mascha Schilinksiโs thought-provoking โSound of Fallingโ are in the mix. Meanwhile, Chie Hayakawaโs โRenoir,โ Joachim Trierโs โSentimental Value,โ and Ari Asterโs โEddingtonโ also promise to captivate the attention of festival-goers.
**Stars on the Red Carpet**
Cannesโ iconic red carpet will see a stellar parade, poised to enchant and impress. Expect appearances from Tom Cruise showcasing โMission Impossible: Final Reckoning,โ Spike Lee with โHighest 2 Lowestโ featuring Denzel Washington, and Wes Andersonโs โThe Phoenician Schemeโ starred by Benicio Del Toro and Michael Cera. Additionally, actors from Ari Asterโs much-anticipated โEddington,โ such as Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, and Emma Stone, will grace the event. Toward the festivalโs conclusion, watch out for Kelly Reichardtโs โThe Mastermind,โ featuring the gifted Josh OโConnor, who shares the spotlight with Paul Mescal.
**Actors Turned Directors**
Cannes will also host screenings of debut directorial efforts from notable actors, exploring new creative avenues. Scarlett Johanssonโs โEleanor the Great,โ Kristen Stewartโs โThe Chronology of Water,โ and Harris Dickinsonโs โUrchinโ are all slated in the Un Certain Regard section. Here, the spotlight isnโt as fierce as it is for those vying for top awards, providing a nurturing yet critical environment for these emerging filmmakers. Their reception at Cannes could either cement their prowess behind the camera or serve as an awakening to criticsโ discerning eyes.
**Trade Tariff Concerns**
Although the festival is celebrated for its cinematic showcase, itโs equally a hive of film acquisitions and negotiations. However, potential U.S. trade tariffs on non-domestic productions, as recently hinted at by the U.S. President, could cloud the usually vibrant deal-making atmosphere. Speculation abounds about the reality and impact of such tariffs, yet the festivalโs robust culture of buying and selling films appears undeterred for now.