CANNES, France – The prestigious Cannes Film Festival is back in action, dazzling the French Riviera for two weeks as it opens its 78th edition. Here’s what to keep an eye on at this year’s 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 Ho’s “Parasite” and “Anora” 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 films—“Anora,” “Emilia Perez,” and “The Substance”—earned spots as Oscar contenders, demonstrating the potent influence of the Cannes film buzz. Last year saw the surprise win of the Latvian animated film “Flow,” which clinched the Oscar attention post its Cannes debut.
**The Palme d’Or Contenders**
Before turning eyes to the Oscars, Cannes finalists vie for the coveted Palme d’Or. The award process remains shrouded in mystery with private jury deliberations led by Juliette Binoche this year, making the winner unpredictable. Still, there’s no shortage of hypothesizing on who’ll triumph. The competition pits past Palme winners like Julia Ducournau, with her return offering “Alpha,” against Alberto Canezo’s heartfelt entry, “The Young Mother’s Home,” crafted in partnership with Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne. The line-up includes newcomers and recurring directors alike—Lynne Ramsay’s emotionally gripping “Die, My Love,” Jafar Panahi’s “A Simple Accident” and Mascha Schilinksi’s thought-provoking “Sound of Falling” are in the mix. Meanwhile, Chie Hayakawa’s “Renoir,” Joachim Trier’s “Sentimental Value,” and Ari Aster’s “Eddington” also promise to captivate the attention of festival-goers.
**Stars on the Red Carpet**
Cannes’ iconic red carpet will see a stellar parade, poised to enchant and impress. Expect appearances from Tom Cruise showcasing “Mission Impossible: Final Reckoning,” Spike Lee with “Highest 2 Lowest” featuring Denzel Washington, and Wes Anderson’s “The Phoenician Scheme” starred by Benicio Del Toro and Michael Cera. Additionally, actors from Ari Aster’s much-anticipated “Eddington,” such as Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, and Emma Stone, will grace the event. Toward the festival’s conclusion, watch out for Kelly Reichardt’s “The Mastermind,” featuring the gifted Josh O’Connor, 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 Johansson’s “Eleanor the Great,” Kristen Stewart’s “The Chronology of Water,” and Harris Dickinson’s “Urchin” are all slated in the Un Certain Regard section. Here, the spotlight isn’t 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 critics’ discerning eyes.
**Trade Tariff Concerns**
Although the festival is celebrated for its cinematic showcase, it’s 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 festival’s robust culture of buying and selling films appears undeterred for now.