
The glitterati of Hollywood have gathered once again on the pristine beaches of the French Riviera to celebrate the art of cinema at the Cannes Film Festival. It’s that magical time of year when the sun-soaked coastline of Cannes gleams under a glamorous parade of red carpet attire, and the days and nights are marked by a glittering array of premieres and pulsating parties.
This distinguished festival is setting the scenes for memorable moments that will forever be imprinted in Cannes’ history. One such scene was the triumphant return of legendary director Francis Ford Coppola to the famed Palais des Festivals. He graced the festival following a storied career that began with his cult classic “Apocalypse Now” which made waves at the festival nearly 45 years ago. The festival is also witnessing individuals taking stands for causes that hold innate meaning to them. French actress Judith Godrèche, for instance, was seen among the actors drawing attention to the burgeoning #MeToo movement in France, by posing with their hands over their mouths in a potent display of silent protest.
The festival did not forget to sprinkle in some doses of fun, as seen when Anya Taylor-Joy saluted her “Furiosa” director, George Miller. The spectacle of Messi, the lovable canine lead from “Anatomy of a Fall,” performing tricks for photographers was a charming bridge to the previous year’s festival.
A particular sight to behold was Meryl Streep, celebrated actress and honorary Palme d’Or recipient, posing elegantly for photographers at the awards ceremony and the premiere of the film ‘The Second Act’. The 77th Cannes International Film Festival also welcomed Uma Thurman showcasing the film ‘Oh, Canada’ and Nicolas Cage introducing ‘The Surfer’.
Daytime photo-calls at Cannes are exciting events, serving as playgrounds for both stars and photographers. The excitement was palpable when Coppola, along with actors including Grace VanderWaal, Giancarlo Esposito, Aubrey Plaza, and Romy Mars posed before the premiere of Coppola’s film, ‘Megalopolis’. And who can forget Nicholas Cage’s playful hat toss while promoting “The Surfer.”
Appreciation of the festival’s global platform runs deep amongst filmmakers who utilize the opportunity it provides to showcase their work to a worldwide audience. It was only apt that Paul Schrader, who penned the 1976 Palme d’or Or winner “Taxi Driver,” made a return to the landscape that helped catapult him into fame.
Ensuring the Cannes Film Festival is not just about premieres and award ceremonies, stars like Emma Stone and famous ‘Me Too’ director Judith Godrèche graced their film premieres with grace and elegance. Moreover, the ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’ film saw not just Anya Taylor-Joy and director George Miller posing for the camera but an entire cast ensemble coming together to form a picture-perfect moment.
Even as the festival moves toward its final week, the energy is far from fizzling. The zest for the celebration of cinema is still at its peak, as exemplified by jury member Eva Green who was spotted posing with grace and glamour upon arrival at the premiere of the film ‘Kinds of Kindness’.
As George Miller so rightly described it: “It’s kind of optimal cinema, really.” And with another week to go, there’s much more to come from this celebration of global cinema in all its glitz and glory.