Hollywood Heads To Cannes As Off-screen Drama Soars
Cannes rolled out the red carpet on Tuesday as Hollywood stars jetted in for the start of the world’s premier film festival, which this year unfolds against the background of a director’s daring escape from Iran and fresh #MeToo allegations
Cannes welcomed Hollywood stars with the traditional red carpet on Tuesday, marking the beginning of the world’s premier film festival. This year’s event is set against the backdrop of a director’s daring escape from Iran and fresh #MeToo allegations.
The 12-day festival officially commenced with an honorary award for Meryl Streep, drawing A-listers like George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola to the French Riviera. Coppola’s highly anticipated “Megalopolis”, a decades-in-the-making epic inspired by Ancient Rome, is among the favorites for the prestigious Palme d’Or prize.
Festival head Thierry Fremaux praised Coppola’s significance to Cannes, highlighting his importance as an 85-year-old director with classics like “The Godfather”.
Twenty-two films are competing for the Palme d’Or under the jury led by director Greta Gerwig, who expressed her excitement for the event.
Outside the competition, notable films include Paul Schrader’s “Oh Canada” starring Richard Gere, Emma Stone’s reunion with Yorgos Lanthimos in “Kinds of Kindness”, and Demi Moore’s venture into horror with “The Substance”.
However, off-screen developments have added drama to the festival. Director Mohammad Rasoulof, also competing for the Palme d’Or, announced his secret escape from Iran after being sentenced to prison. Rasoulof urged support for his colleagues and hopes to attend his premiere with the assistance of Cannes and the French foreign ministry.
Meanwhile, France’s film industry faces a #MeToo reckoning, with accusations against Gerard Depardieu and rumors of more to come. Gerwig emphasized the evolving nature of the #MeToo movement and its ongoing discussions within the industry.
Adding to the off-screen tension, festival employees called for a strike over pay and conditions, potentially causing disruption during the event.