Context:

The 78th Cannes Film Festival opens with a highly anticipated lineup featuring numerous stars and renowned filmmakers, alongside political and cultural events. The festival begins with a tribute to Ukraine through three films and honors Robert De Niro with an honorary Palme d'Or. This year's entries include major premieres such as 'Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning' and a competitive selection of 22 films vying for the prestigious Palme d'Or. Controversy shadows the festival as Gérard Depardieu faces legal consequences in a #MeToo case, while geopolitical tensions are highlighted with screenings related to Ukraine. The festival also celebrates cinematic history by presenting a restored version of Charlie Chaplin's 'The Gold Rush' on its centenary anniversary.

Dive Deeper:

• Cannes Film Festival's 78th edition commences with a strong lineup of films and stars, including world premieres of 'Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning', Spike Lee's 'Highest 2 Lowest', and Ari Aster's 'Eddington', setting high expectations for a remarkable event.

• The festival pays homage to Ukraine with a three-film tribute, featuring documentaries like 'Zelensky', 'Notre Guerre' by Bernard-Henri Lévy, and '2000 Meters to Andriivka', emphasizing the commitment of artists and journalists to highlight the ongoing conflict in Europe.

• Robert De Niro receives an honorary Palme d'Or at the opening ceremony, 49 years after 'Taxi Driver' won the festival's top prize, marking a significant moment in his illustrious career.

• The festival's competitive section presents 22 films, including works by Wes Anderson, Richard Linklater, and Julia Ducournau, with Juliette Binoche leading the jury that will select the Palme d'Or winner.

• Geopolitical issues are underscored by the screening of Ukraine-related films, and the festival coincides with Gérard Depardieu's legal sentencing in a high-profile #MeToo case, reflecting on broader societal challenges.

• U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal for tariffs on foreign films adds an additional layer of complexity to the festival, with Cannes director Thierry Frémaux expressing concern for maintaining strong American cinema.

• Cannes celebrates film history by showcasing a restored version of Charlie Chaplin's 'The Gold Rush', aligning with its 100th anniversary, thus honoring the legacy of one of cinema's most iconic figures.