The 76th Cannes Film Festival kicked off earlier this week on the French Riviera. As one of the biggest events on the film calendar, it is here that some of the world’s most talented directors will present their masterpieces in hopes of being awarded the Palme d’Or, the industry’s most prestigious award. Past winners include Bong Joon-ho’s “Parasite” (2019), Julia Ducournau’s “Titane” (2021), and Ruben Östlund’s “Triangle of Sadness.”
The festival’s focus remains on the films that will be shown, but adding a layer of glitz and glam to the event are the celebrities that are invited to the event. All dressed up to the nines, and decked out in sparkling gems, the Cannes Film Festival is exactly the right affair for fashion and jewelery houses to rack up eyeballs.
For this year’s edition, there are 21 films competing for the Palme d’Or. The jury that will preside over the outcome will include last year’s winner Ruben Östlund. The festival also saw more female filmmakers compete for the top spot – seven films were led by women, which was a record high in its nearly 80 years of existence. This year’s line-up includes big names and heavyweights like Wes Anderson, Hirokazu Kore-eda, Nuri Bilge Ceylan, Todd Haynes, Wim Wenders and many more.
Ahead we round up the 5 most awaited films screened at the 76th Cannes Film Festival, the list includes films in and out of the competition, Un Certain Regards and Special Screenings.
Asteroid City by Wes Anderson
Set in a fictional town in 1955, the plot revolves around a Junior Stargazer/Space Cadet convention where students and their parents from across the country gather but are spectacularly interrupted by world-changing events. The cast ensemble includes famous actors and actresses such as Jason Schwartzman, Scarlett Johansson and Tom Hanks.
May December by Todd Haynes
The film centers on Gracie Atherton-Yu, portrayed by Julianne Moore, and her husband Joe, who share a May-December romance. Set two decades after “an infamous tabloid romance captivated the nation,” the couple faces tension. Their lives take a turn when Hollywood actress Elizabeth Berry, played by Natalie Portman, visits to gather research for a film about their history.
Monsters by Hirokazu Kore-eda
Renowned filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda, who won the Palme d’Or for “Shoplifters” in 2018, aims to capture that magic again with his latest film, “Monster.” The story centers around a concerned mother who notices her son’s peculiar behavior and seeks answers from the school and his teachers.
Zone of Interest by Jonathan Glazer
The film, based on Martin Amis’ novel of the same name, revolves around a Nazi officer and his wife living near a concentration camp. The story delves into a complex love triangle, focusing on Hedwig and the officer. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of three characters, one of whom is a Jewish Sonderkommando.
Jeanne Du Barry by Maiwenn
Premiered at the 76th Cannes Film Festival, the film starring Johnny Depp received a standing ovation at the opening of the 12-day event. The film marks Depp’s return to the silver screen after his defamation trial with ex-wife Amber Heard last year.
