The 79th Festival de Cannes (Cannes Film Festival) is officially underway, and the world’s most prestigious film festival is already off to an unforgettable start.
Held at the Grand Théâtre Lumière in Cannes, France, the Opening Ceremony on May 12 welcomed filmmakers, actors, press and film lovers from around the globe for the beginning of the iconic twelve-day celebration of cinema.
French actress Eye Haïdara served as Mistress of Ceremonies, opening the evening with an emotional and energetic speech about fearless storytelling and the importance of cinema. Quoting legendary filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard — “We don’t make a film to be cautious” — Haïdara praised artists who dare to tell difficult stories and filmmakers who remind audiences of the value of every human life.
She also celebrated the power of movies to connect people around the world.
“Because these stories that resonate within us, deep in our chest, alone sketch out all of humanity,” she said. “Because nothing has been found better than two hours in the dark to learn how to watch and listen to others in full light.”
Accompanied by violinist Miri Ben-Ari, Haïdara’s speech set the tone for what is already shaping up to be an emotional and inspiring year at Cannes.
The evening also introduced the jury for the festival’s main competition, led by acclaimed South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook as Jury President. This year’s international jury includes Demi Moore, Ruth Negga, Laura Wandel, Chloé Zhao, Diego Céspedes, Isaach De Bankolé, Paul Laverty and Stellan Skarsgård.
Another major highlight came when actor Elijah Wood paid tribute to legendary filmmaker Peter Jackson, his longtime collaborator on The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Jackson received a lengthy standing ovation as Wood praised the director’s storytelling legacy and humanity.
Reflecting on his history with Cannes, Jackson described his appearances at the festival as “unexpected and almost miraculous.”
Music also played a major role during the ceremony. Artists Theodora and Oklou performed The Beatles’ “Get Back” as a tribute to Jackson’s acclaimed documentary project, The Beatles: Get Back.
To officially open the festival, legendary actresses Gong Li and Jane Fonda took the stage together, celebrating “boldness, freedom, and the fierce act of creation” before declaring the 79th Festival de Cannes officially open.
Following the ceremony, attendees screened La Vénus électrique (The Electric Kiss), directed by Pierre Salvadori, which also opened in French cinemas nationwide the same day.
The excitement extended far beyond the French Riviera. More than 950 cinemas across France broadcast the Opening Ceremony and premiere screening live, allowing thousands of moviegoers to experience the launch of Cannes in real time.
Throughout the festival, audiences around the world can follow Festival TV coverage, including red carpet arrivals, photocalls, press conferences and official events streamed online.
With emotional speeches, global stars, standing ovations and a celebration of fearless filmmaking, Cannes 2026 is already proving to be a powerful kickoff to one of the biggest events in entertainment and international cinema.
