The red carpet for the Cannes Film Festival will be rolled out next week, with Leonardo DiCaprio, Natalie Portman, and Harrison Ford among the Hollywood stars set to attend the glitzy industry event on the French Riviera. This year's festival marks the 76th anniversary of cinema's largest showcase, which includes screenings, press conferences, and glamorous parties. The following are some facts about the Cannes Film Festival and its contenders this year.
WHAT IS THE CANNES FILM FESTIVAL THIS YEAR?
The Cannes Film Festival was founded in 1939 as an alternative to the then-fascist-influenced Venice Film Festival.
It has been held every year since 1946, with the exception of 1948 and 1950, when it was cancelled due to a lack of funds.
The festival is well-known for its carefully curated lineup of films that have gone on to win Oscars or launched the careers of directors such as Quentin Tarantino.
Alongside it is the world's largest film market, which attracts over 12,500 film industry professionals each year.
WHEN IS CANNES?
The festival kicks off on May 16 with the French-language film "Jeanne du Barry," directed by Maiwenn and starring Johnny Depp. It runs until May 27 and concludes with Pixar's "Elemental."
WHAT FILM HAS BEEN CHOSEN FOR CANNES 2023?
The official selection of films shown is divided into several categories, the most important of which are the "in competition" films vying for the Palme d'Or.
The following are this year's 21 contenders:
The Cannes Film Festival will roll out its red carpet next week, with Leonardo DiCaprio, Natalie Portman and Harrison Ford among the Hollywood stars expected at the glitzy industry event on the French Riviera. This year's festival is the 76th edition of cinema's biggest showcase, made up of screenings, press conferences and glamorous parties. Below are some facts about the Cannes Film Festival and this year's contenders.
"Club Zero" by Jessica Hausner
"The Zone of Interest" by Jonathan Glazer
"Kuolleet Lehdet" ("Fallen Leaves") by Aki Kaurismaki
"Les Filles d’Olfa" ("Four Daughters") by Kaouther Ben Hania
"Asteroid City" by Wes Anderson
"Anatomie d'une chute" ("Anatomy of a Fall") by Justine Triet
"Kaibutsu" ("Monster") by Kore-eda Hirokazu
"Il Sol dell' Avvenire" ("A Brighter Tomorrow") by Nanni Moretti
"L’ete dernier" ("Last Summer") by Catherine Breillat
"Kuru Otlar Ustune" ("About Dry Grasses") by Nuri Bilge Ceylan
"La Chimera" by Alice Rohrwacher
"La Passion de Dodin Bouffant" ("The Pot-au-Feu" by Tran Anh Hung
"Rapito" ("Kidnapped") by Marco Bellocchio
"May December" by Todd Haynes
"Qing Chun" ("Youth") by Wang Bing
"The Old Oak" by Ken Loach
"Banel e Adama" by Ramata-Toulaye Sy
"Perfect Days" by Wim Wenders
"Firebrand" by Karim Aïnouz
"Black Flies" by Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire
"Le Retour" ("Homecoming") by Catherine Corsini
Martin Scorsese's "Killers of the Flower Moon" and Harrison Ford's return as the famed adventurer in "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" are among the films screening outside of competition.
There are also short film categories and the "Un Certain Regard" sidebar section, which focuses on art-house films.
WHAT ARE THE PRIZES AND WHO HAS PREVIOUSLY WON?
The Palme d'Or is Cannes' top award, and previous winners include "Taxi Driver," "Apocalypse Now," "Pulp Fiction," "The Pianist," and "Parasite."
Only two female directors have won the award, Jane Campion and Julia Ducournau, for "The Piano" and "Titane," respectively.
The Grand Prix, jury prize, best director, best actor, best actress, best screenplay, and best short film are among the other awards.
Last year, "Triangle of Sadness" won the Palme d'Or.