The 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival kicked off with a star-studded extravaganza, attracting luminaries like Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Quentin Tarantino. High expectations surround this year’s Cannes, with a lineup of premieres including “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” Spike Lee’s “Highest 2 Lowest,” and Ari Aster’s “Eddington.” DiCaprio honored De Niro with an honorary Palme d’Or, marking a poignant moment between two iconic actors. De Niro used the platform to criticize U.S. President Donald Trump for his stance on art and culture.

The festival’s opening day featured the premiere of Amélie Bonnin’s “Leave One Day,” along with a tribute to filmmaker George Sherman by Tarantino. The event also included a salute to Ukraine, the introduction of the Palme d’Or jury led by Juliette Binoche, and the restoration of Charlie Chaplin’s “The Gold Rush” for its 100th anniversary.

As the festival unfolds, discussions on geopolitics and social issues are expected to take center stage. Notable films in competition for the prestigious Palme d’Or include works by Wes Anderson, Richard Linklater, and Kelly Reichardt. The festival also screened documentaries on the Ukraine conflict, underscoring the commitment of artists to tell impactful stories. Additionally, industry figures like Richard Gere and Pedro Almodovar have called for cinema institutions to address global humanitarian crises.

Cannes 2025 promises a blend of cinematic excellence, cultural significance, and social consciousness, making it a must-watch event for film enthusiasts and advocates of art’s transformative power.