France Cannes 2026 Opening Ceremony Red Carpet
James Franco, left, and Izabel Pakzad pose for photographers at the opening ceremony and premiere of the film 'The Electric Kiss' during 79th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
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The 79th Cannes Film Festival has kicked off. Tuesday marked the start of 12 days of nonstop premieres that will culminate on May 23 with the presentation of the prestigious Palme d’Or prize. The festival's first day was eventful. Peter Jackson was given an honorary Palme d'Or. The festival was declared open by Jane Fonda and Gong Li. Talk of politics and artificial intelligence dominated the introduction of the jury. Guillermo del Toro presented a restored “Pan's Labyrinth.” And James Franco, largely left out in Hollywood, walked the red carpet.
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