Context:

The 78th Cannes Film Festival commenced with significant attention from the cinema world, featuring renowned personalities like Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Quentin Tarantino. The festival's opening ceremony was marked by DiCaprio presenting De Niro with an honorary Palme d'Or, acknowledging his contributions to both cinema and democracy, while De Niro took the opportunity to criticize former U.S. President Donald Trump for his cultural policies. The festival, which is set to showcase major premieres and tributes, also addressed geopolitical issues, with a focus on Ukraine and a call for action against atrocities in Gaza. The event is set against a backdrop of heightened political and social awareness, reflected in the films and discussions. Additionally, Cannes is implementing new protocols, including restrictions on red carpet attire, and will feature directorial debuts by prominent actors in its Un Certain Regard section.

Dive Deeper:

• Robert De Niro was honored with an honorary Palme d'Or by Leonardo DiCaprio at the Cannes Film Festival, where De Niro used the platform to criticize Donald Trump's cultural policies, including proposed tariffs on foreign films.

• Cannes 2025 is expected to be a significant event with a star-studded lineup and high-profile premieres, including films like 'Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning' and tributes to filmmakers such as George Sherman.

• The festival's opening ceremony included a focus on geopolitical issues, particularly with a day dedicated to Ukraine, showcasing documentaries that highlight the ongoing conflict and the role of artists in documenting these realities.

• A notable open letter published by over 350 industry members called for a more forceful response to the situation in Gaza, questioning the perceived indifference of the cinema world to global crises.

• Cannes has introduced new red carpet protocols, such as banning nudity and long trains, with attendees like Halle Berry adapting to these changes, and the festival will see the return of Tom Cruise with the latest 'Mission: Impossible' installment.

• The festival's Un Certain Regard section will feature the directorial debuts of actors like Kristen Stewart and Scarlett Johansson, offering a platform for new voices and perspectives in cinema.

• Geopolitical themes are prominent at this year's festival, highlighted by screenings of Ukrainian documentaries and discussions on the role of cinema in addressing and reflecting social and political issues.