The 78th Cannes Film Festival kicked off today, May 13, 2025, and the world’s film lovers are already glued to the Croisette. This year, the Cannes Film Festival is making headlines for its star-studded Hollywood presence, a wave of actor-directors, and a lineup that tackles urgent global issues. As the red carpet unrolls, let’s dive into the most anticipated premieres, the cultural conversations, and the unique energy that sets Cannes apart in 2025.
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Cannes Film Festival 2025 Opens with a Star-Studded Lineup
The Cannes Film Festival has always been a magnet for global cinema, but this year, the Hollywood influence is impossible to ignore. Jennifer Lawrence, Scarlett Johansson, and Tom Cruise are just a few of the A-listers lighting up the red carpet. The festival’s opening night features Kristen Stewart’s directorial debut, The Chronology of Water, starring Imogen Poots in a raw, deeply personal story about addiction and identity.
Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest, starring Denzel Washington, is set to premiere out of competition and has already generated buzz for its modern twist on Kurosawa’s classic High and Low. Meanwhile, Tom Cruise returns with Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, hoping to repeat the blockbuster magic of Top Gun: Maverick.
Directorial Debuts Take Center Stage at Cannes Film Festival
A striking trend this year is the number of Hollywood stars moving behind the camera. Scarlett Johansson’s Eleanor the Great tells the uplifting story of a 94-year-old woman thrust into the spotlight. Harris Dickinson’s Urchin explores the struggles of a homeless man in London. Kristen Stewart’s The Chronology of Water opens the festival, marking a bold new chapter for the acclaimed actress.
What’s notable is that these actors have chosen not to cast themselves in leading roles, focusing instead on storytelling and craft. Their films are competing in the Un Certain Regard section, a showcase for innovative and daring cinema.
The Most Anticipated Films of Cannes Film Festival 2025
This year’s official selection is a mix of Hollywood powerhouses and international auteurs. Here are some of the hottest titles generating buzz:
| Film Title | Director | Notable Cast/Details |
|---|---|---|
| Die My Love | Lynne Ramsay | Jennifer Lawrence, Robert Pattinson |
| The Phoenician Scheme | Wes Anderson | Benicio Del Toro, Riz Ahmed, Benedict Cumberbatch |
| Eddington | Ari Aster | Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone |
| Nouvelle Vague | Richard Linklater | Homage to French New Wave |
| The History of Sound | Oliver Hermanus | Paul Mescal, Josh O’Connor |
| Alpha | Julia Ducournau | New sci-fi drama |
| Eleanor the Great | Scarlett Johansson | Directorial debut |
| Urchin | Harris Dickinson | Directorial debut |
| The Chronology of Water | Kristen Stewart | Directorial debut, Imogen Poots stars |
| Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning | Christopher McQuarrie | Tom Cruise |
| Highest 2 Lowest | Spike Lee | Denzel Washington |
With so many big names and fresh voices, the 2025 lineup is one of the most exciting in years.
Cannes Film Festival Tackles Global Issues
Cannes is never just about glitz. This year, the festival’s documentaries are shining a spotlight on urgent global stories. Put Your Soul On Your Hand And Walk tells the tragic story of war photographer Fatima Hassouna, who died in Gaza last year. Once Upon a Time in Gaza, by Palestinian twins Tarzan and Nasser, adds another layer to the festival’s engagement with current events.
A documentary about WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, The Six-Billion-Dollar Man, and a new film about U2’s Bono are also drawing attention. The inclusion of these films underlines Cannes’ commitment to reflecting the world’s most pressing issues on screen.
Red Carpet Glamour and Honorary Tributes at Cannes Film Festival
No Cannes Film Festival would be complete without its legendary red carpet moments. This year, Robert De Niro will receive the honorary Palme d’Or, nearly 50 years after Taxi Driver won the top prize. The Croisette is buzzing with anticipation for appearances by Jennifer Lawrence, Scarlett Johansson, and Tom Cruise.
Heidi Klum and Tom Kaulitz have already turned heads with their coordinated black outfits, setting the tone for a festival that promises both fashion and substance.
Controversy and Conversation: #MeToo and Tariffs at Cannes Film Festival
The festival’s opening day comes amid the verdict in Gérard Depardieu’s sexual assault trial, a topic that has reignited debate about abuse in the film industry. A recent French parliamentary report condemned “endemic” sexual violence in cinema, and the conversation is expected to spill onto the red carpet.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump’s proposal for 100% tariffs on foreign films is making waves in Cannes’ bustling film market. French Culture Minister Rachida Dati has already warned that such tariffs would hurt the American film industry more than Europe’s, adding a political edge to this year’s festivities.
Will Neon Extend Its Cannes Film Festival Winning Streak?
All eyes are on indie distributor Neon, which has won the Palme d’Or for five consecutive years, starting with Parasite and most recently with Anora. With several of this year’s buzziest titles in their stable, could Neon clinch a record sixth win? The answer will shape Oscar conversations for months to come.
What Makes Cannes Film Festival 2025 Unmissable?
Hollywood’s biggest stars are out in force, both in front of and behind the camera. Directorial debuts from Kristen Stewart, Scarlett Johansson, and Harris Dickinson promise fresh perspectives. The festival lineup is packed with films addressing real-world issues, from Gaza to WikiLeaks. The red carpet glamour is matched by serious conversations about industry reform and global politics. The race for the Palme d’Or is wide open, with awards season implications already in play.
Quick Points: What to Watch For at Cannes Film Festival
- Opening Night: Kristen Stewart’s The Chronology of Water
- Out-of-Competition Blockbusters: Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Highest 2 Lowest
- Directorial Debuts: Johansson, Stewart, Dickinson
- Documentaries: Gaza, Assange, Bono, Orwell
- Honorary Palme d’Or: Robert De Niro
- Political Drama: Trump’s tariffs, #MeToo debates
Final Thoughts: Cannes Film Festival 2025 Sets a New Standard
The Cannes Film Festival 2025 is shaping up as a defining moment for global cinema. With Hollywood’s brightest, bold new directors, and films that reflect the world’s urgent stories, this year’s festival is more than a celebration-it’s a statement. As the Croisette buzzes with premieres, protests, and paparazzi, one thing is clear: Cannes remains the beating heart of the film world, and this year’s edition is one for the ages.