The 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival kicks off on Tuesday, and this year's lineup is exceptionally star-studded. With many high-profile films expected to make waves, the festival is poised to spotlight several titles that could follow in the footsteps of last year's breakout hits such as “Anora” and “The Substance”. Here’s a closer look at the most anticipated stories we have our eyes on this year.
Traditionally recognized for its commitment to showcasing the finest in global cinema, the Cannes Film Festival this year appears to have a distinctly Hollywood flair. The lineup is packed with an array of high-profile English-language films that could easily be mistaken for a typical Hollywood premiere. Among the biggest films set to debut is “Die My Love,” featuring the dynamic duo of Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson as a couple grappling with the challenges of a crumbling marriage.
Additionally, the festival will present the latest work from renowned director Spike Lee, titled “Highest 2 Lowest,” starring the legendary Denzel Washington. Fans of Wes Anderson will not want to miss “The Phoenician Scheme,” where Benicio Del Toro leads a star-studded ensemble that includes Michael Cera, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Hanks, and Riz Ahmed.
Among other highlights is the romantic drama “The History of Sound,” showcasing Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor. Additionally, Richard Linklater pays homage to the French new wave in his film “Nouvelle Vague,” while Ari Aster returns with “Eddington,” featuring an impressive cast that includes Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone, and Austin Butler. To top it all off, Tom Cruise will unveil his final installment of the “Mission: Impossible” series on the festival’s second day.
This year, the Cannes Film Festival is not just showcasing established directors but also celebrating actors stepping into the director's chair. Kristen Stewart, Scarlett Johansson, and Harris Dickinson, all of whom are familiar faces at Cannes, will make their feature directing debuts. Rather than taking on acting roles in their own films, these talented individuals have chosen to focus solely on directing.
Stewart’s eagerly awaited project, “The Chronology of Water,” is set to debut first. It stars Imogen Poots as a young woman confronting her struggles with addiction and sexuality. Following that is “Urchin,” from breakout star Harris Dickinson, which tells the story of a London drifter, played by Frank Dillane, who is on a quest to find his place in society. The second week of the festival will see the premiere of Johansson’s comedy, “Eleanor the Great,” featuring the talented June Squibb.
As the festival unfolds, anticipation builds around these exciting titles and the potential for new cinematic breakthroughs. The Cannes Film Festival continues to be a platform for both established and emerging filmmakers, making it a must-watch event in the film industry calendar.
