The film’s cast and other A-list talent were in attendance at the opening gala.

The 68th Cannes Film Festival was officially opened last night, preceding Emmanuelle Bercot’s social realism drama La Tete Haute (Standing Tall).  

In addition to the film’s cast including Catherine Deneuve, Sara Forestier, Rod Paradot and Benoit Magimel – other A-list talent also were on hand to kick off the festival.

From Julianne Moore, Naomi Watts, Natalie Portman, jury member Sienna Miller, to French actresses Leila Bhekti and Clotilde Courau, China’s Fan BingBing, Lupita Nyong’o, Un Certain Regard President Isabella Rossellini and model Kylie Kloss - the red carpet had no shortage of glitz and glamour.

The 40-minute long ceremony was led by Lambert Wilson. Known for his portrayal of The Merovingian in The Matrix series, the French actor made mention of last year’s terrorist act, and the importance of actresses such as Deneuve who are helping to bring important, and positive, change.

Film icon Ingrid Bergman, who graces this year’s poster, was also honoured with an impressive song and dance set highlighting the allure and prestige of the Golden Era. 

The jury were on hand in full – Sienna Miller; Sophie Marceau; Jake Gyllenhaal; Xavier Dolan; Rokia Traore; Rossy De Palma; Guillermo Del Toro and Presidents Joel and Ethan Coen, who were honoured with a promotional reel showcasing their breadth of work.

Completing the night was Julianne Moore, who, in addition to collecting her Best Actress Award for last year’s Official Competition entry Maps to the Stars, also deemed the festival officially open. 

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