The Cannes Film Festival opened its 79th edition on Tuesday night with a dazzling ceremony on the French Riviera. Stars descended upon the red carpet for the premiere of The Electric Kiss, with Poppy Delevingne and Caroline Daur leading the early arrivals. Model Poppy, 40, stunned in a sheer lace and velvet dress, while influencer Caroline, 31, turned heads in a dramatic red and black feathered strapless gown. Former Made In Chelsea star Kimberley Garner also appeared in a pink floral dress.
Jury Announced for 2026 Festival
Organisers unveiled the nine-member jury that will deliberate on the films in competition. South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook serves as president. The jury includes Demi Moore, director Chloé Zhao, actor Stellan Skarsgård, Irish-Ethiopian actor Ruth Negga, Belgian director Laura Wandel, Chilean director Diego Céspedes, Ivorian American actor Isaach De Bankolé, and Scottish screenwriter Paul Laverty.
Speaking at the opening press conference, Demi Moore expressed her honour: 'It's such a beautiful experience to be surrounded by cinema and the love of cinema. I feel like a little kid getting to play a grown-up.' She also addressed AI in filmmaking, stating, 'AI is here, and to fight it is a battle we will lose. We must find ways to work with it, as it cannot replace the soul and spirit behind true art.'
Star-Studded Arrivals and Honors
Earlier in the day, stars like Heidi Klum, Gillian Anderson, Michelle Rodriguez, Riley Keough, and Halsey arrived. Emma Thynn shone at a Vanity Fair lunch. The festival will honour filmmaker Peter Jackson with an honorary Palme d'Or for his visionary work, including The Lord of the Rings. Jackson recalled his first Cannes visit in 1988 with Bad Taste and called the honour 'one of the greatest privileges of my career.'
Last year, honorary Palme d'Or prizes went to Robert De Niro and Denzel Washington. This year's festival runs from May 12 to 23.
