At Cannes, Politics, Penny-Pinching and Strict Red Carpet Rules Overshadow the Glitz, Good Times and Glamour

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For a moment, it felt like the old Cannes again. 

On Sunday evening, during the middle stage of the festival, word spread that Mubi, the up-and-coming distributor who achieved a $1 billion valuation following the Oscar success of “The Substance,” had paid $24 million for the rights to distribute “Die My Love.” This film was one of Cannes’ most divisive, and with this purchase, Mubi is spending more than what “Anora” made at the domestic box office. They are investing in an edgy relationship drama due to the star power of its leads, Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson, who are rare movie stars nowadays.

At the glamorous events of Cannes, they were a scarcely seen group, as studios typically shied away from flashy premieres. However, Tom Cruise was an exception to this rule, leveraging the buzz surrounding “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” to reach the Palais, where it received a lukewarm reception. Other anticipated summer blockbusters like “F1” and “How to Train Your Dragon” stepped aside, making room for independent films and international productions. With declining box office sales and diminishing profit margins, it’s becoming less appealing for entertainment firms to invest over $1 million on a Cannes debut.

Additionally, there were other indications of thriftiness. Fewer business executives were dispatched to explore films, restaurants appeared less bustling, and the large advertisement banners typically displayed along the Croisette remained rolled up.

Other injuries were caused by one’s own actions. The new prohibition against revealing attire at red-carpet events left numerous stars and fashion enthusiasts choosing to keep their most stylish outfits in the closet. Cannes, symbolizing extravagance and glamour, seems ill-suited for the current era.

As the festival prepares to wrap things up, here are five takeaways from the south of France. 

Politics Rocks the Palais

The opening night of Cannes was filled with poetic tributes to cinema’s might, yet this year’s debut was marred by the turmoil and violence sweeping across the globe. On this occasion, Robert De Niro, receiving a lifetime achievement award, denounced Trump as a “philistine,” encouraging artists to unite, protest, and, of course, vote during elections. Meanwhile, Juliette Binoche, heading the competition jury, highlighted pressing issues such as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and other contentious topics. “War, suffering, climate change, rudimentary misogyny – these demons of our brutality refuse us any escape,” she declared. Despite Cannes being a sanctuary, certain atrocities cannot be overlooked.

Linklater Lights Up the Screen

There’s no one who adores films about films as much as those who create them. Consequently, it’s not unexpected that Richard Linklater’s “Nouvelle Vague,” a heartfelt tribute to Jean-Luc Godard and the rebellious French filmmakers who revolutionized cinema in the 1960s, received a heartwarming reception at Cannes. The movie is currently the festival’s darling, with a strong chance of winning the Palme d’Or. It has already attracted numerous potential buyers, with many distributors predicting it could capitalize on its success here and make it to the Oscars. Well done! (or Bravo!)

Frugality Hits the Fest

Although we’re not currently in a global economic downturn, there were signs of cautious spending. The Croisette, known for grand activations for upcoming movies, seemed sparse this year. For instance, in 2022, Paramount showcased a massive Air Force pilot helmet for “Top Gun: Maverick”, whereas “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning” only had some oversized screens at the Carlton. Typically bustling hotel piers for photo opportunities were empty, and there was no extravagant party like Elton John and Taron Egerton’s “Rocket Man” performance in 2019 or the fireworks display for the “Solo: A Star Wars Story” event in the previous year. Furthermore, many films are still searching for distribution deals beyond Mubi’s “Die My Love”.

Covered-Up Couture

Despite the diverse and daring presentations often showcased during Cannes Film Festival on screen, the event has traditionally maintained a formal and structured approach when it comes to its iconic red carpet. The steps leading up to the Palais du Cinema, adorned with the deepest shade of red, are governed by strict guidelines. For instance, no selfies can be taken, women are required to wear high heels, and since this year, there is a ban on provocative displays such as nudity or extravagant gowns. The festival initially gained attention by prohibiting “voluminous dresses” – translating to no long trains, overly large sleeves, or anything that might limit mobility. The recent ban on nudity has been interpreted as a restriction against exposed nipples. This new rule caused jury member Halle Berry to abandon her initial outfit for the opening night due to its dramatic train. Moreover, it stirred discontent among Hollywood’s influential stylists who saw it as a dampener for the annual fashion event.

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2025-05-20 23:47