France Cannes 2026 Opening Ceremony

Gong Li, left, and Jane Fonda appear during the opening ceremony of the 79th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

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The Cannes Film Festival has started. Here are 5 things that happened on its first day

The Cannes Film Festival has started. Here are 5 things that happened on its first day

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.