The 78th Cannes Film Festival opened with a strong dose of politics, a tribute to Robert De Niro, and a surprise appearance by Quentin Tarantino. The annual event, known for its glamour, shifted focus to current affairs and outspoken speeches on its opening night.
De Niro Takes Aim at Trump
Robert De Niro was the center of attention, receiving an honorary Palme d’Or from Leonardo DiCaprio. During his acceptance speech, the Oscar-winning actor criticized Donald Trump, calling him “America’s philistine president.” De Niro urged the audience to oppose the former president’s policies.
“We have to act now,” he said. “Without violence, but with passion and determination. It’s time for everyone who cares about liberty to organize, protest, and vote.”
DiCaprio praised De Niro’s dedication to acting and activism. He spoke about De Niro’s iconic roles, such as Travis Bickle and Jake LaMotta, and applauded his courage to speak out for democracy and art.
Political Messages Dominate the Evening
The festival’s jury president, Juliette Binoche, also delivered a politically charged speech. She referenced global conflicts, including the war in Gaza, and spoke about human suffering.
“War, misery, climate change, primitive misogyny… Against the immensity of this storm, we must give birth to gentleness,” she said.
A Star-Studded, Yet Controversial Red Carpet
While the official opening film, the French musical comedy Partir un Jour, received a five-minute standing ovation, much of the red carpet attention was on celebrity arrivals. Stars like Quentin Tarantino, Sean Baker, Eva Longoria, Julia Garner, Heidi Klum, and Alessandra Ambrosio posed for photographers. However, Tom Cruise, in town for his Mission: Impossible premiere, was notably absent.
Despite earlier talks of a dress code crackdown, the Cannes “fashion police” appeared lenient. There were reports of attendees bending the rules—one man wore a knitted necktie instead of the required bowtie, while another was spotted in dirty blue boat shoes. The warning against “voluminous” outfits was largely ignored, as extravagant gowns with long trains filled the red carpet.
Outside the glitz, small groups of protestors gathered. These were freelance workers at the festival, voicing concerns over poor working conditions and lack of benefits.
Tarantino’s Show-Stopping Moment
The evening’s biggest surprise came when Quentin Tarantino took the stage. Entering with the flair of a circus ringmaster, he officially declared the festival open before dropping the microphone, delighting the audience.
Cannes Tradition Continues
As always, Cannes’ opening night drew global media attention. However, films that open the festival often struggle to leave a lasting impact. Last year’s opener, the Johnny Depp-led Jeanne du Barry, quickly faded from memory. This year’s Partir un Jour received mixed early reviews. A prominent journalist was overheard saying, “I will suffer through this,” as she took her seat.
Despite the modest expectations for its opening films, Cannes remains a key stop on the awards circuit. Last year’s Palme d’Or winner, Sean Baker’s Anora, went on to win Best Picture at the Oscars. Recent editions also showcased Oscar contenders like Anatomy of a Fall and The Zone of Interest, proving the festival’s continued influence.
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