Hollywood icons, including Tom Cruise and Denzel Washington, will converge in Cannes this week for the 78th Cannes Film Festival. As the industry grapples with concerns over declining audiences and the looming threat of U.S. tariffs on foreign films, this festival comes at a crucial time. Cruise is set to debut what is anticipated to be the final installment of his “Mission: Impossible” series, with many others aiming to replicate last year’s award-winning success of “Anora.”
In a highlight of the event, Robert De Niro will receive a lifetime achievement award, while prominent actresses such as Scarlett Johansson, Kristen Stewart, and Harris Dickinson will showcase their directorial skills with competing films in smaller categories.
Just days ago, U.S. President Donald Trump stirred controversy by announcing a 100% tariff on films produced outside of the United States, prompting alarm among industry executives about the potential impact on movie production and distribution. This decision has overshadowed much of the festival’s discussions, according to Scott Roxborough from The Hollywood Reporter, who noted that while attendees wish to focus on creativity, industry anxieties remain present.
The festival will officially kick off on Tuesday night, with a jury led by Juliette Binoche and Halle Berry. Previous winners, like “Anora,” which won the Palme d’Or last year before securing multiple Academy Awards, are a reminder of Cannes’ influential role in propelling films to Oscar glory. Notably, films such as “Parasite” in 2019 have historically reshaped narratives by becoming significant international hits.
This year, the festival will feature U.S. director Wes Anderson’s latest movie, “The Phoenician Scheme,” competing against several independent films like “Sentimental Value” by Joachim Trier and Julia Ducournau’s “Alpha.” Additionally, outside of the competition, the festival will showcase films like “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” as well as Spike Lee’s “Highest 2 Lowest,” which stars Denzel Washington.
Reflecting global issues, Cannes will also host a “Ukraine Day” event, featuring three films that address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. One of the most anticipated screenings is the sold-out documentary, “Put Your Soul On Your Hand And Walk,” which tells the story of Palestinian photojournalist Fatma Hassona, tragically killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza.
As art and politics intertwine at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, there is hope that the event will not only bring attention to cinematic achievements but also spark meaningful dialogues about the state of the industry and global concerns.
This year’s Cannes promises to celebrate resilience and creativity, and despite the challenges posed by external pressures, many in the film community remain optimistic about the potential for powerful storytelling and future collaborations.
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