The 77th Cannes Film Festival commenced on May 14, 2024, in Cannes, France, marked by the introduction of the jury led by filmmaker Greta Gerwig and an honorary Palme d’Or award presented to actress Meryl Streep. The festival's opening night showcased the French comedy "The Second Act," featuring actors Lea Seydoux and Vincent Lindon, among others.
The event is set to feature premieres of high-profile films including George Miller's "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga," Francis Ford Coppola’s "Megalopolis," and works by directors Paolo Sorrentino, Yorgos Lanthimos, Andrea Arnold, and Kevin Costner. Additionally, the festival will address significant issues such as the #MeToo movement with Judith Godrèche's short film "Moi Aussi," and labor disputes among festival workers over contract terms.
International attention has also been drawn to the festival due to Iranian filmmaker Mohammed Rasoulof's situation. He announced his escape from Iran following a harsh sentence, related to his film "The Seed of the Sacred Fig," which criticizes the Iranian regime.
This edition of the Cannes Film Festival is seen as a precursor to multiple significant events in France, including the French Open, the Tour de France, and the Paris Summer Olympics. As part of these events, the Olympic flame will be brought to the Cannes Festival's main venue, the Palais des Festivals, on May 21.