Cannes Film Festival: A Star-Studded Affair with Major Highlights

Expect thrilling premieres, new director debuts, and crucial discussions on pressing social issues.

The legendary Cannes Film Festival is on the horizon, kicking off Tuesday in picturesque France, featuring a red carpet filled with Hollywood luminaries, including Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Lawrence, and Tom Cruise. Known for being a prestigious event in the film industry calendar, Cannes often serves as the launching pad for various productions that may soon contend for awards and accolades.

As anticipation builds, here are five key points to keep your eyes peeled for during this year's celebrations:

1. **Oscar Contenders Unveiled**:
Cannes has reclaimed its title as a prominent launchpad for potential award-winning films. Last year, Anora took home the Palme d'Or before winning the Academy Award for Best Picture. Historically, four out of the last five winners of the Palme d'Or have secured nominations for the Oscars. With Juliette Binoche presiding over the jury, contenders for this year’s top prize include Lynne Ramsay's adaptation of Ariana Harwicz's *Die My Love*, starring Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson. Additionally, Josh O’Connor, who has showcased his talent in *The Crown*, will appear in two films: *The History of Sound* and *The Mastermind*, where he plays a carpenter-turned-art thief. Wes Anderson’s star-laden *The Phoenician Scheme*, featuring a plethora of A-list actors, is also generating buzz.

2. **Directorial Debuts from Hollywood Stars**:
Scarlett Johansson marks her entry into directing with *Eleanor the Great*, focusing on a 94-year-old woman thrust into the spotlight. Meanwhile, Kristen Stewart presents *The Chronology of Water*, adapted from Lidia Yuknavitch's memoir. British actor Harris Dickinson also steps behind the camera with *Urchin*, telling a compelling story of redemption for a rough sleeper in London. These works will feature in the festival's Un Certain Regard category.

3. **Legends Take the Stage**:
Robert De Niro will collect an honorary Palme d'Or at Cannes. Additionally, Spike Lee's latest collaboration with Denzel Washington, *Highest 2 Lowest*, is anticipated as it reimagines Akira Kurosawa's *High and Low* in a contemporary New York setting. Jodie Foster also returns in *Vie Privée*, shedding light on a psychiatrist's investigation into the murder of her patient. Tom Cruise is set to premiere the final installment in the *Mission: Impossible* series.

4. **Spotlight on Gaza**:
Gaza's struggles this year resonate in notable documentaries, such as *Put Your Soul On Your Hand And Walk*, addressing the death of photojournalist Fatima Hassouna, along with *Once Upon a Time In Gaza* by Tarzan and Arab Nasser. The festival also showcases significant films on Julian Assange and a documentary about U2's Bono, further diversifying its roster.

5. **Contentious Social Issues**:
The festival may be overshadowed by the verdict of Gérard Depardieu's sexual assault trial. The famed French actor faces serious allegations stemming from incidents on a film set in 2021, which he has denied. The ongoing discussions about sexual violence in the film industry have gained momentum, particularly following a French parliamentary inquiry into "endemic" abuse, and the opening day could invoke dialogue surrounding this topic.

With exciting films and important dialogues queued up, the Cannes Film Festival promises to be an event that blends star power with critical cultural conversations.