Skip to main content
See every side of every news story
Published loading...Updated

The Cannes Film Festival has started. Here are 5 things that happened on its first day

  • On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, the Cannes Film Festival officially launched in France, marking the 79th edition of the prestigious annual cinema event.
  • The French Riviera event continues its decades-long tradition of hosting international cinema and showcasing red-carpet glamour, drawing Hollywood's elite to the Mediterranean resort town.
  • Jury President Park Chan-wook, South Korean filmmaker of Oldboy and No Other Choice, leads the nine-member jury tasked with evaluating 22 films competing for the coveted Palme d'Or.
  • Filmmaker Peter Jackson received an honorary Palme d'Or during the opening ceremony, while screenwriter Paul Laverty addressed political tensions and actor James Franco made a surprise appearance.
  • The 12-day schedule will feature premieres and red-carpet showcases through Saturday, May 23, as the Cannes Film Festival honors 21 international films competing for cinema's highest honor.
Insights by Ground AI

30 Articles

The IndependentThe Independent
Reposted by
The Independent (US)The Independent (US)
Lean Left

Cannes Film Festival 2026: The biggest talking points from day one

The 79th Cannes Film Festival has kicked off in style with tributes and political statements

·London, United Kingdom
Read Full Article
Associated Press NewsAssociated Press News
+6 Reposted by 6 other sources
Lean Left

The Cannes Film Festival has started. Here are 5 things that happened on its first day

The 79th Cannes Film Festival has kicked off. Tuesday marked the start of 12 days of nonstop premieres that will culminate on May 23 with the presentation of the prestigious Palme d’Or prize.

·United States
Read Full Article
Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/yearSubscribe

Bias Distribution

  • 59% of the sources lean Left
59% Left

Factuality Info Icon

To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

Ownership

Info Icon

To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage

Khaleej Times broke the news in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (the) on Monday, May 11, 2026.
Too Big Arrow Icon
Sources are mostly out of (0)

Similar News Topics

News
Feed Dots Icon
For You
Search Icon
Search
Blindspot LogoBlindspotLocal