The 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival officially opened on the French Riviera with a tribute to acclaimed filmmaker Peter Jackson and appearances from some of the biggest names in global cinema.
Jackson, best known for directing The Lord of the Rings trilogy, was honored with an honorary Palme d’Or during the opening ceremony in recognition of his contribution to international filmmaking.
The award was presented by actor Elijah Wood, who starred as Frodo Baggins in Jackson’s iconic fantasy film series.
Speaking during the ceremony, Jackson reflected on his long-standing relationship with Cannes and recalled showcasing early footage from The Lord of the Rings at the festival more than two decades ago.
The festival was formally declared open by Jane Fonda and Gong Li, with Fonda describing cinema as an important tool for creative expression and resilience.
Opening night also featured the premiere of French romantic comedy The Electric Kiss, directed by Pierre Salvadori.
This year’s edition arrives amid a relatively smaller Hollywood studio presence, with greater emphasis being placed on international and independent cinema.
The competition jury for Cannes 2026 is chaired by South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook and includes notable figures such as Demi Moore, Chloé Zhao, Ruth Negga, and Stellan Skarsgård.
The festival will run until May 23 and is expected to showcase some of the most anticipated international films of the year across multiple categories and premieres.
