Cannes opens without Hollywood backing

The Cannes Film Festival opened on the French Riviera last week with a star-studded red carpet led by celebrities including Demi Moore and Elijah Wood, as the event turned attention to the future of filmmaking, artificial intelligence and the continued absence of major Hollywood studio premieres.
The opening ceremony was declared underway by Jane Fonda and Gong Li, with actors Isaach De Bankolé and James Franco among guests on the red carpet. The evening highlighted cinema’s global reach and the festival’s role as one of the most important gatherings in international film.
Actor Elijah Wood, known for The Lord of the Rings, reunited with director Peter Jackson during the ceremony, where Jackson received an honorary award recognising his career and contributions to global cinema. Jackson described the honour as a surprise and thanked the audience for their support.
The main competition features 22 films competing for the Palme d’Or prize, with entries from acclaimed directors including Pedro Almodóvar, Hirokazu Kore-eda and Cristian Mungiu. The lineup includes historical dramas and contemporary stories reflecting a wide range of global perspectives.
Discussions around the festival have also focused on the impact of artificial intelligence on film production, including concerns about jobs in editing, writing and visual effects. Organisers emphasised support for creative professionals while highlighting new technology partnerships shaping the industry.
The festival also announced a partnership with Meta, which is involved in an upcoming documentary by director Steven Soderbergh. The film explores archival material and uses AI-assisted techniques to recreate historical interviews with musicians John Lennon and Yoko Ono.
Hollywood studios were notably absent from the lineup this year, continuing a trend seen across several major international festivals. Organisers expressed hope that major productions will return in future editions, reinforcing the festival’s role as a global showcase for cinema.
Guests filled the Grand Théâtre Lumière as photographers captured arrivals, with film professionals, critics and guests gathering for the traditional opening night screening. The festival continues over the coming days with premieres, press conferences and industry events across the city.
Beyond the red carpet, Cannes remains a key marketplace for global film distribution, where deals are often negotiated between studios, streaming platforms and independent producers. This year’s programme includes a mix of established auteurs and emerging filmmakers, reflecting a balance between tradition and new voices in cinema. Screenings span multiple sections including competition, Un Certain Regard and out-of-competition selections, offering a wide range of storytelling styles and production approaches.
Cannes continues to attract international attention as one of the world’s most influential film festivals, bringing together artists, producers and audiences to celebrate cinema, discover new talent and showcase films that reflect diverse cultures and storytelling traditions from around the globe each year in May in France. — AFP