This year’s Cannes Film Festival has a strange, unsettling atmosphere. With no major Hollywood films in the lineup and a lot of attention on Mark Zuckerberg, alongside Jacob Elordi’s injury, the festival feels off-kilter. During a press conference, most attendees seemed hesitant to discuss important issues like politics, the rise of AI, or whether Hollywood is truly becoming more inclusive. Only Paul Laverty spoke out, criticizing the industry for allegedly sidelining Susan Sarandon and Javier Bardem for their stance against violence in Gaza.
During the opening ceremony, with a large image of Thelma and Louise driving peacefully (but hinting at trouble ahead) behind him, Jury President Park Chan-wook briefly discussed the challenge of judging the 22 films in competition, emphasizing the need for careful consideration. He shared a story about working with Paul Laverty and Ken Loach, noting that while they disagreed often, it never became a true fight. Park hopes the jury will engage in similar, robust discussions. This came after a showing of several of his own films, which often deal with intense themes of revenge and violence.
Elijah Wood introduced Peter Jackson, who is being honored with a Palme d’Or at the festival and will participate in a discussion later this week. Wood emphasized that despite the large scale and complex technology used in Jackson’s films, they are all made with genuine emotion. Jackson then shared how much the festival had supported him, recalling a 2001 preview of footage from The Lord of the Rings that proved doubters wrong. He playfully suggested the award was Cannes’ way of making up for not giving his 1988 film, Bad Taste, the Palme d’Or. The event took a strange turn when two women performed a haunting rendition of The Beatles’ “Get Back.” The performance, bathed in red light, felt particularly eerie, and the women chanted the song’s lyrics in a low, unsettling voice.
Luckily, Jane Fonda and Gong Li didn’t take the opening instructions literally and instead surprised everyone by taking the stage to launch the festival. True to form, Fonda immediately spoke passionately about important issues. She explained her belief that film is a powerful form of resistance, because stories define a culture. She emphasized that stories build understanding for those who are often overlooked, help us connect with others, and show us that a better future is possible. Standing with Li, she highlighted the importance of the Cannes Film Festival, where telling brave and meaningful stories is always the priority. She then called for a celebration of boldness, freedom, and the power of creative expression.
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2026-05-12 23:54