The Cannes Film Festival 2024 is all set to bring some of the most inspiring and dazzling film stars, influencers and content creators in Southern France. Hollywood legends such as George Lucas, Meryl Streep, and Demi Moore will add glitz to the red carpet. This year, the festival celebrates its 77th edition on the stunning French Riviera on May 14. Cannes 2024 is renowned for its dazzling premieres, celebrity-packed press events, and star-studded walks on the red carpet.
Significance of the Festival de Cannes
The Cannes Film Festival, formerly known as the International Film Festival is the world’s largest film festival. Started in 1939 as an alternative to the then-fascist-influenced Venice Film Festival, it serves as a platform for the premiere of new films across various genres, including documentaries, from around the globe.
Established in 1946, this ‘invitation-only festival’ takes place each year, typically in May, at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. Regarded as one of the ‘Big Three’ major European film festivals alongside the Venice Film Festival in Italy and the Berlin International Film Festival in Germany, the Cannes Film Festival also holds a prominent position as one of the ‘Big Five’ major international film festivals.
It has been held annually since 1946, except in 1948 and 1950, when it was cancelled due to financial constraints. The festival is renowned for its carefully curated selection of films, many of which have gone on to win Oscars or launch the careers of directors like Quentin Tarantino. Alongside the festival, the world’s largest film market attracts over 14,000 industry professionals annually.
Selection of Movies at Cannes
The official selection comprises several categories, with the top tier being ‘in competition’ movies vying for the prestigious Palme d’Or prize. There are 22 contenders in Cannes 2024 including films such as, ‘The Apprentice’ by Ali Abbasi, ‘Motel Destino’ by Karim Ainouz, and ‘Bird’ by Andrea Arnold.
Additionally, ‘out-of-competition screenings’ feature highly anticipated films such as George Miller’s ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’ and Kevin Costner’s ‘Horizon, An American Saga.’ Some Indian films like Anurag Kashyap’s Kennedy and Kanu Behl’s Agra have also been featured at the film festival.
Awards and Awardees of the Cannes
Cannes’ top honour ‘Palme d’Or is’ with previous recipients including iconic films like ‘Taxi Driver,’ ‘Apocalypse Now,’ and ‘Parasite’. Notable directors such as Jane Campion and Julia Ducournau have also made history with their wins. Other awards at Cannes include the Grand Prix, Jury Prize, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Screenplay, and Best Short Film.
Additionally, honorary awards are bestowed upon individuals or groups for their outstanding contributions to cinema. This year, the recipients include George Lucas and Studio Ghibli, among others.
Cannes Film Festival 2024 is all set to celebrate its 77th edition on the stunning French Riviera on May 14.