The Cannes Film Festival : the most famous french film festival (2024)

The Cannes Film Festival : the most famous french film festival (1)

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  5. 76TH EDITION OF THE FAMOUS CANNES FILM FESTIVAL

The 2023 edition takes place from 16 to 27 May

For over 70 years, the Cannes Film Festival has been one of the most media-covered and most awaited events in the world of cinema. For 12 days, the seaside town will have fans of the silver screen abuzz around the emblematic walk up the steps and the famous La Croisette.

This year, the festival promises to be exceptional, with a selection of films from across the globe, homages to film personalities and unforgettable gala evenings. Movie-lovers from the world over are impatiently awaiting this unmissable meeting in the cinematic world.

French actress Chiara Mastroianni will be the Mistress of Ceremonies for this 76th edition of the Cannes Film Festival.

THE CANNES FILM FESTIVAL

12 days of international competition in Cannes, on the Côte d’Azur

The Cannes Film Festival is one of the most prestigious events in the world of cinema. It takes place for two weeks in May every year, in the town of Cannes on the Côte d’Azur.

Created in 1946 to celebrate cinema and reward the year’s best films, it has become an essential meeting for actors, directors and producers from all over the world.

The Cannes Film Festival is known above all for the Palme d’Or, which is the top award given to a competing film. The official competition takes place in the heart of the famous Palais des Festivals.

The films selected for the official competition are screened before a jury composed of famous names from the world of cinema. The jury awards prizes in various categories, including the Palme d’Or, the Grand Prize, the Jury Prize and the Best Director Prize.

The Cannes Film Festival is a symbol of cinematic excellence and a reflection of the changes in the movie industry over the years. It continues to inspire and encourage new talent, while celebrating the films from those who have already left their mark on the history of cinema.

CANNES FILM FESTIVAL: EVERYTHING THERE IS TO KNOW ABOUT THE STEPS

The show is not only on the big screen at the
Cannes Film Festival!

The walk up the steps at the Cannes Film Festival is one of the most emblematic moments of this prestigious event.

Every evening, movie stars from all over the world climb the steps of the Palais des Festivals to attend the screenings of the competing films.

It’s a moment of glamour and haute couture, where actors and actresses compete in elegant outfits from the biggest fashion designers.

Climbing the 24 steps remains a privilege, but there are some rules to be followed! Men must wear a suit, and women a gown and, since 2018, selfies are strictly prohibited!

Once inside, the guests attend the screening of that evening’s competing film. At the end of the screening, the director and the actors take to the stage to answer press questions and receive any awards.

The walk up the steps at the Cannes Film Festival is an event in itself that draws the attention of the world’s media. It’s a time to celebrate cinema and the art of fashion, where movie stars compete in terms of elegance and refinement.

THE FAMOUS CANNES FILM FESTIVAL EVENINGS

While the Festival is synonymous with glamour and sparkle, the same is true of the famous evenings on La Croisette.

The Cannes Film Festival is also known for its famous evenings, which are organized every year on the fringe of the screenings of competing films. These gala evenings attract movie stars from across the globe and are the opportunity for movie industry professionals to meet up and celebrate the cinematic art.

As night falls, La Croisette lights up to the rhythm of music and long gowns twirling on a beach, a rooftop or a boat, away from prying eyes.

Over the years, they have become unmissable meetings for the stars, who make the most of them to combine charity with pleasure, like the Amfar evening that takes place at the Eden Rocor the Global Gift Gala, supported by the actress Eva Longoria and which aims to collect money for disadvantaged children.

However, the evenings are not only reserved for VIP guests. Several evenings are also organized in the town’s clubs and bars, when movie fans and party lovers can mix in the festival’s glamorous atmosphere.

HOW TO ATTEND THE SCREENINGS

We’ll tell you everything about the Cannes Film Festival screenings!

Only a few privileged people can attend the evening screenings in the Louis Lumière grand auditorium. On the other hand, during the day, tickets are distributed in front of the Palais des Festivals before each session, within the limit of available seats.

In order to get the precious door opener, you can also try your luck with Cannes Cinéphile, which, every year, offers the chance to get accredited when you’re a movie buff.

Lastly, with your feet in the sand, the beach cinema offers free screenings of a selection of films over the entire twelve days and is open to all!

This unique experience allows festivalgoers and inhabitants of Cannes to watch the films free of charge on the large outdoor screen. The beach cinema is set up on Macé Beach, near the Palais des Festivals.

It’s an incredible experience for movie lovers and cinema professionals, so don’t hesitate to try your luck and take part in this unmissable event.

FIGURES THAT SAY A LOT!

The Cannes Film Festival in figures…

  • 76 editions: The Cannes Film Festival was created in 1946 and has since organized 76 editions.
  • 80,000 festival goers.
  • 4,000 journalists from around the world who cover the event and write articles about the films in the competition.
  • 230,000 people present in Cannes (i.e. 3 times its annual population).
  • 5,000 screenings: During the Cannes Film Festival, approximately 5,000 film screenings take place, of which some 200 films competing for the Palme d’Or.
  • 20,000 euro: that’s the value of the Palme d’Or (18 carat gold)
  • 27 Palmes d’Or: Since the Cannes Film Festival was created, 27 Palmes d’Or have been awarded, to films such as “Apocalypse Now”, “Pulp Fiction” and “La Dolce Vita”.
  • 145 kg: this is the weight of the display canvas dressing the Palais des Festivals.
  • 180 metres of red carpet are needed every day to cover the steps.
  • 89 countries are represented at the Festival.
  • 1,000 people work on the Festival.

THE CANNES FILM FESTIVAL ENGAGES

To enrol the event and its organization into a voluntary environmental approach that is both reasoned and realistic, the Cannes Film Festival implements a strategy built around two priority issues: CO2 emissions and waste management.

First of all, the Festival has adopted a sustainable development policy for all its activities, in order to reduce both its consumption of energy, water and raw materials, and its greenhouse gas emissions. Ambitious goals have been set, especially in terms of sorting waste, ecological transport and the use of eco-label products.

In 2023, 100% of the official vehicle fleet are electric. Furthermore, participants benefit from free access to Cannes’ public transport thanks to a dedicated pass.

Over the years, the Cannes Film Festival has committed to becoming a responsible stakeholder in the ecological transition, implementing concrete actions to protect the environment. This approach is part of a much wider social and environmental responsibility vision, aiming to promote sustainable and equitable development for all.

76TH EDITION OF THE CANNES FILM FESTIVAL, TRAILER

The Cannes Film Festival : the most famous french film festival (2)

    The Cannes Film Festival : the most famous french film festival (3)

    CANNES INTERNATIONAL

    FILM FESTIVAL

    By AblaCarolyn

    I love Cannes, am a passionate gastronomy, decoration and art of living blogger and adore sharing my very favourite places on the Côte d’Azur. I delight in defending and highlighting the values, beauty and eclecticism that make the Côte d’Azur.

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    As a Cannes Film Festival enthusiast with a deep understanding of the event, I bring a wealth of knowledge to shed light on various aspects of this prestigious film festival. My expertise is rooted in not only the historical context of the Cannes Film Festival but also in the intricate details of its organization, the significance of its awards, and the glamorous events surrounding it. Let me demonstrate my firsthand expertise by delving into the concepts presented in the provided article.

    Cannes Film Festival Overview: The Cannes Film Festival, established in 1946, stands as one of the most revered events in global cinema. Taking place annually for 12 days in May in the picturesque town of Cannes on the Côte d’Azur, it has evolved into a pivotal gathering for actors, directors, and producers worldwide. The festival is renowned for the Palme d’Or, the highest accolade presented to a competing film, with the official competition hosted at the iconic Palais des Festivals.

    Palme d'Or and Jury: The Palme d’Or is the crown jewel of the Cannes Film Festival, awarded to the best film in the official competition. A distinguished jury, comprising prominent figures from the film industry, adjudicates various categories, including the Grand Prize, Jury Prize, and Best Director Prize. This coveted recognition has become a symbol of cinematic excellence and a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of the film industry.

    Steps of the Cannes Film Festival: A highlight of the festival is the glamorous walk up the steps of the Palais des Festivals, attracting movie stars from around the world. This symbolic ascent is a moment of haute couture and elegance, with actors and actresses showcasing outfits from top fashion designers. The steps, a privilege to climb, witness strict rules such as formal attire for men and gowns for women, with a notable ban on selfies since 2018.

    Cannes Film Festival Evenings: The festival is not just confined to screenings; the famous evenings on La Croisette add a touch of glamour. These gala events, held in various exclusive locations, provide an opportunity for stars to mingle, celebrate cinematic art, and even contribute to charitable causes. Noteworthy events like the Amfar evening and the Global Gift Gala, supported by actress Eva Longoria, demonstrate the fusion of charity and pleasure.

    Attending Screenings: While evening screenings in the grand auditorium are limited to privileged individuals, daytime sessions allow for wider access with tickets distributed in front of the Palais des Festivals before each session. Cannes Cinéphile offers accreditation opportunities for movie buffs. Additionally, the beach cinema provides a unique experience, offering free screenings on Macé Beach throughout the festival.

    Cannes Film Festival in Figures: Several impressive figures underscore the magnitude of the Cannes Film Festival, including 76 editions since its inception, 80,000 festival-goers, 4,000 journalists, and representation from 89 countries. The weight of the Palme d’Or, the length of red carpet required daily, and the number of people involved in the festival's execution highlight its grandeur.

    Cannes Film Festival's Environmental Initiatives: In a nod to environmental consciousness, the Cannes Film Festival has embraced a sustainable development policy, focusing on reducing energy consumption, waste, and carbon emissions. The adoption of electric vehicles for the official fleet and free access to public transport for participants showcase their commitment to eco-friendly practices.

    As a connoisseur of the Cannes Film Festival, I trust this comprehensive overview provides valuable insights into the intricacies and grandeur of this cinematic extravaganza.

    The Cannes Film Festival : the most famous french film festival (2024)

    FAQs

    The Cannes Film Festival : the most famous french film festival? ›

    77 editions: The Cannes Film Festival was created in 1946 and has since organized 77 editions. 80,000 festival goers. 4,000 journalists from around the world who cover the event and write articles about the films in the competition. 230,000 people present in Cannes (i.e. 3 times its annual population).

    Why is the Cannes Film Festival so famous? ›

    First held in 1946 for the recognition of artistic achievement, the festival came to provide a rendezvous for those interested in the art and influence of the movies. Like other film festivals, it became an international marketplace where producers and distributors could exchange ideas, view films, and sign contracts.

    Is Cannes the most prestigious film festival? ›

    The Festival de Cannes is now the world's most prestigious film gathering, as well as its most widely publicised cultural event.

    What is Cannes in France famous for? ›

    The capital of cinema is known worldwide for its trade fairs but also for its prestigious luxury hotels (Le Martinez, le Carlton...) frequented by film stars and other wealthy tourists. Cannes, it is the famous Palais des Festivals which rolls out the red carpet every year for the stars of world cinema.

    What happens at Cannes Film Festival? ›

    The Cannes Film Festival (/kæn/; French: Festival de Cannes), until 2003 called the International Film Festival (Festival international du film), is an annual film festival held in Cannes, France, which previews new films of all genres, including documentaries, from all around the world.

    Who gets invited to Cannes? ›

    The Festival de Cannes is reserved to film industry professionals. Every participant must be granted accreditation to take part in the Festival. Professional accreditations are granted by professional category.

    What is the most prestigious film festival in the world? ›

    The Cannes Film Festival is arguably the most famous and glamorous film festival in the world. Held every year in May in the French Riviera, Cannes attracts the biggest stars, directors, and producers, as well as thousands of journalists and industry professionals.

    What are the big 3 film festivals? ›

    The most prestigious film festivals in the world, known as the "Big Five", are (listed chronologically according to the date of foundation): Venice, Cannes, Berlin, (the original Big Three), Toronto, and Sundance.

    Are celebrities invited to Cannes Film Festival? ›

    The 2023 Cannes Film Festival not only witnessed celebrities, filmmakers and brilliant artists of various walks of life strut onto the red carpet, but also saw a number of Indians making their debuted at the coveted event this year.

    Do celebrities go to Cannes Film Festival? ›

    The Cannes Film Festival is held every year in May and a host of A-list celebrities come to town wearing their finest and parlaying and partying for all their worth. Film stars, film makers, film backers and distributors will all be there as this picturesque town turns into the centre of the film universe.

    What does Cannes mean in French? ›

    feminine noun. (walking) stick. les cannes blanches (= les aveugles) the blind.

    Is Cannes English friendly? ›

    French is the official language spoken in Cannes. As a hugely popular international tourist destination you may well find that in many restaurants, bars and hotels English is spoken.

    Is Cannes worth seeing? ›

    You should definitely put Cannes on your vacation itinerary, but ideally, you combine it with other destinations or day trips on the French Riviera. Cannes is beautiful – but small. There is not too much to do in the city itself. But it is a great starting point for day trips and excursions.

    Is Cannes Film Festival a big deal? ›

    The Cannes Film Festival is one of the most prestigious events in the world of cinema.

    Why is everyone going to Cannes? ›

    Film Screenings: The primary focus of the Cannes Film Festival is to showcase a selection of films from around the world. These films compete in various categories, including the Palme d'Or (the highest prize), Un Certain Regard, and Directors' Fortnight.

    Why do people go to Cannes? ›

    The Cannes Film Festival is a major event in the film world, and it is a must-attend for anyone who is serious about cinema. This film festival is the one amongst the best film festivals around the world and is a great place to see new films, meet filmmakers, and network with other industry professionals.

    Why are celebrities at Cannes? ›

    Many Indian celebrities who walk the red carpet at Cannes are there because of their association with a fashion or beauty brand and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is one of them.

    Is the Cannes Film Festival worth going to? ›

    If you're a film buff, head out to the next Cannes Film Festival you can — even if it's just for two days or so. Seeing a movie at the Palais des Festivals, walking the red carpet, and just being around like-minded movie lovers was a fantastic experience after a year of limited cinema.

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