This year’s festival turns the spotlight on international and arthouse films — but that hasn’t stopped Hollywood glamour on the red carpet.

Absence of big US films heralds renewed focus on international cinema that underpins festival’s reputation

This year’s festival turns the spotlight on international and arthouse films — but that hasn’t stopped Hollywood glamour on the red carpet.

The 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival kicked off the 2026 Mediterranean season on May 11, and in the early going, the great and near-great bore the somber tones.