Cannes Film Festival 2025 Kicks Off with Star Power, Powerful Speeches, and a Packed Lineup

The glittering French Riviera once again becomes the epicentre of the global film industry as the 78th Cannes Film Festival officially opened on Tuesday, drawing major names from Hollywood and international cinema. Over the next 12 days, this prestigious celebration of storytelling will premiere some of the year’s most anticipated films while spotlighting urgent social and political issues.

Star-Studded Opening Night

This year’s edition began in classic Cannes style, with a red carpet parade featuring Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, Quentin Tarantino, Juliette Binoche, and other A-listers. DiCaprio notably skipped the carpet but took centre stage later to deliver a heartfelt tribute to De Niro, presenting him with an honorary Palme d’Or for his decades of cinematic excellence.

Calling De Niro “the archetype actor,” DiCaprio commended his long-time collaborator not only for his performances but also for “fighting for our democracy” — a nod to De Niro’s vocal stance against U.S. President Donald Trump.

De Niro Speaks Out Against Trump’s Anti-Art Agenda

In his acceptance speech, De Niro, now 81, used the spotlight to criticise Trump’s cultural policies. Referencing the president’s recently announced 100% tariff on foreign films, De Niro warned against rising nationalism in the arts.

“Art is the truth. Art embraces diversity. And that's why art is a threat to autocrats and fascists,” he said. “You can’t put a price on connectivity.”

The legendary actor accused Trump of turning cultural institutions into political tools and cutting funding to the arts and humanities. His bold remarks earned a standing ovation from the Cannes audience.

A Theatrical Welcome from Tarantino

Filmmaker Quentin Tarantino added flair to the opening night by making a dramatic entrance to declare the festival officially open. Known for his theatrical style, Tarantino will return Wednesday to lead a special tribute to Western filmmaker George Sherman.

Also present was Sean Baker, last year’s Palme d’Or winner and the director of this year’s entry Anora.

A Heavy First Day: Film Tributes and Court Verdicts

The opening night also featured a trio of film tributes to Ukraine, emphasising the ongoing war's cultural impact, and a screening of a restored version of Charlie Chaplin’s The Gold Rush to celebrate its 100th anniversary.

Meanwhile, the festival’s start coincided with unsettling news: French actor Gérard Depardieu was convicted of sexually assaulting two women on a 2021 film set. The 76-year-old, a Cannes regular, received an 18-month suspended prison sentence, marking one of France’s most prominent #MeToo cases to date.

A Prestigious Jury and Packed Competition

Heading this year’s jury is acclaimed French actress Juliette Binoche. Joining her are international talents including Halle Berry, Jeremy Strong, Hong Sang-soo, Alba Rohrwacher, Dieudo Hamadi, Payal Kapadia, Leïla Slimani, and Carlos Reygadas.

A total of 22 films are competing for the coveted Palme d’Or, to be awarded on Saturday, May 24. The competition features high-profile entries such as:

• The Phoenician Scheme by Wes Anderson
• Nouvelle Vague by Richard Linklater
• Die, My Love by Lynne Ramsay
• Sentimental Value by Joachim Trier
• The Mastermind by Kelly Reichardt
• The History of Sound by Oliver Hermanus
• Alpha by Julia Ducournau
• A Simple Accident by Jafar Panahi

Looking Ahead

With political commentary, a highly competitive lineup, and global stars lighting up the Croisette, the 2025 Cannes Film Festival promises to be an unforgettable chapter in cinema history. As red carpets roll and lights dim across the Riviera, the world waits to see which film will emerge with the Palme d’Or—and what cultural conversations will unfold beyond the silver screen.

Conclusion

As the 78th Cannes Film Festival gets underway, it’s clear that the event continues to be a powerful celebration of global cinema, artistry, and cultural dialogue. From Robert De Niro’s passionate speech on the role of art in confronting authoritarianism to the glittering presence of stars like Leonardo DiCaprio and Quentin Tarantino, the festival has already delivered powerful moments both on and off the screen. With 22 films vying for the prestigious Palme d’Or and a jury filled with international talent, Cannes 2025 promises to be a thrilling ride of creativity, controversy, and cinematic excellence. All eyes remain on the French Riviera as the world's filmmakers and audiences await what this landmark edition will bring.