Stars Shine Brightly at Cannes Film Festival: Key Highlights to Anticipate

The Cannes Film Festival returns, offering first looks at potential Oscar contenders and highlighting Hollywood stars stepping into directorial roles, while addressing current societal issues.

The Cannes Film Festival is set to draw significant attention as some of Hollywood's most illustrious stars, including Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Lawrence, and Tom Cruise, grace the red carpet this Tuesday. Renowned as one of the pinnacle festivals in the film industry, Cannes serves as a prominent platform for premieres that often culminate in prestigious awards and accolades.

Here are five pivotal elements to monitor closely during this year's festival on the picturesque French Riviera.

1. Anticipated Oscar Contenders
Recent years have seen Cannes reclaim its status as a primary launchpad for Oscar hopefuls. Following the Palme d'Or triumph last May of "Anora," which subsequently secured this year's Best Picture Oscar, the trend of selecting Palme d'Or winners for Best Picture has only strengthened—four out of five prior winners have received nominations. This year's jury, spearheaded by luminary Juliette Binoche alongside fellow actors Halle Berry and Jeremy Strong, will determine the winners. A standout contender includes Lynne Ramsay's adaptation "Die My Love," featuring Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson.

Scottish actor Josh O'Connor, known for his roles in "Challengers" and "The Crown," stars in two competing films: "The History of Sound," alongside Paul Mescal, and "The Mastermind," depicting an aspiring art thief. Additionally, Wes Anderson's ensemble film "The Phoenician Scheme," showcasing an impressive cast that includes Johansson, Benicio Del Toro, Tom Hanks, and Benedict Cumberbatch, is turning heads this year.

2. Hollywood Stars in New Roles
In a shift towards creative leadership, Scarlett Johansson will unveil her directorial debut, "Eleanor the Great," spotlighting a noteworthy 94-year-old woman. Kristin Stewart is also making her directorial mark with "The Chronology of Water," adapted from Lidia Yuknavitch's memoir. British actor Harris Dickinson is similarly entering the directorial arena with "Urchin," reflecting on the life of a rough sleeper in London. These impactful films will be featured in Cannes’ secondary competition, Un Certain Regard.

3. Legendary Names on the Rise
Denzel Washington reunites with Spike Lee for "Highest 2 Lowest," a modern adaptation of Akira Kurosawa's 1963 thriller, set in contemporary New York City. Additionally, Robert De Niro will be awarded an honorary Palme d'Or. Jodie Foster stars in "Vie Privée," a French-language comedy surrounding a psychiatrist digging into the murder of her patient. There’s heightened anticipation for Tom Cruise’s premiere of the final chapter of the Mission: Impossible franchise.

4. Documentaries Making Waves
This year, profound documentaries emerge, such as "Put Your Soul On Your Hand And Walk," detailing the life of Palestinian journalist Fatima Hassouna, who tragically died alongside her family during an Israeli strike. The film is now under increased scrutiny due to the outcry over her death. Additionally, "Once Upon a Time in Gaza,” by Palestinian twins Tarzan and Arab Nasser, will feature in the Un Certain Regard section, alongside other significant documentaries about influential figures like Julian Assange and U2's Bono.

5. Addressing Social Justice Issues
Notably, the festival's opening may be overshadowed by the ruling in Gerard Depardieu's sexual assault trial, which coincides with the festival's commencement. The 76-year-old actor, who faces accusations of assaulting two women in 2021, has denied the claims. This issue highlights broader discussions regarding pervasive sexual violence in the industry, as a French parliamentary inquiry criticized acts of misconduct last month. Furthermore, the festival might also see remarks from industry figures regarding U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on international films—a matter that French Culture Minister Rachida Dati stresses would backfire on the American film industry rather than protecting the French market.

With stars like Scarlett Johansson navigating both the spotlight in front of the camera and behind it, the Cannes Film Festival promises to meld art with timely dialogue about societal challenges.