Thursday, May 21Thursday, May 21The 79th Cannes Film Festival officially opened on May 12, 2026, with a star-studded inauguration ceremony. American actor Jane Fonda and Chinese star Gong Li co-hosted the opening event, marking the festival’s return to its traditional glamour and international appeal . The ceremony was also hosted by French comedian Eye Haïdara, adding a touch of local flair to the proceedings .
A highlight of the opening night was the presentation of an honorary Palme d’Or to Peter Jackson, the New Zealand director best known for *The Lord of the Rings* trilogy. The award was humorously presented by Elijah Wood, who played Frodo in Jackson’s films, in a nod to their iconic collaboration .
The festival also celebrated career rebirths, with Demi Moore making a notable return to Cannes after a two-year absence. Moore, who stars in the film *The Substance*, arrived on the red carpet in a striking sequined gown and diamond collar, drawing significant attention . Jane Fonda was also recognized as a symbol of the festival’s ability to reinvent careers, alongside other returning stars like John Travolta .
The red carpet was a major focus of the opening day, with fashion critiques highlighting standout looks, including Joan Collins’s dramatic waves and the unexpected appearance of actors dressed as Romulus and Remus . The festival will run until May 23, 2026, featuring premieres, screenings, and high-profile appearances .
Political tensions surfaced early in the festival, with 600 French cinema figures, including Juliette Binoche, signing an open letter warning about the growing influence of the far right in French cinema. The letter specifically targeted Vincent Bolloré, the billionaire owner of Canal+, accusing his media empire of threatening the industry’s independence. The controversy has cast a shadow over the festival’s opening, with critics arguing that Bolloré’s dominance in film financing and distribution risks undermining creative freedom .
Separately, a juror for the festival, a screenwriter associated with Ken Loach, publicly criticized Hollywood for allegedly blacklisting actors like Javier Bardem, Susan Sarandon, and Mark Ruffalo due to their political activism, particularly their protests against the Gaza genocide. The juror’s remarks underscored ongoing debates about artistic freedom and political censorship in the film industry .
The festival’s logistics were also in focus, with Le Majestic, one of Cannes’ most prestigious hotels, preparing to host thousands of attendees. The hotel’s general manager, Charles Richez, discussed the behind-the-scenes efforts to accommodate the influx of 35,000 to 40,000 festivalgoers, including actors, directors, and producers .
The 2026 lineup has been described as indie and international, with a notable underrepresentation of Hollywood in the competition. The festival will showcase a diverse range of films over the next two weeks, continuing its tradition as a platform for global cinema .
Eurovision, prima semifinale: ovazione per Sal Da Vinci, sul palco con il tricolore Si apre la 70esima edizione dellEurovision song contest, ospitata dalla Wiener Stadthalle di Vienna. Sul palco Sal Da Vinci con Per sempre sì, ma la vigilia è segnata dalle proteste anti-Israele
corriere · 8 days ago
Stop the genocide chanted during Israels Eurovision semi-final performance Israels act, Noam Bettan, performed at Viennas Wiener Stadthalle amid heightened security and controversy as five nations boycott the event.
thejournal · 8 days ago
A început Eurovision Viena 2026. Prima semifinală a fost deschisă de Republica Moldova. Ţările care au intrat în concurs Emoții și spectacol la Viena, unde a început cea de-a 70-a ediție a Eurovision Song Contest. Prima semifinală aduce pe scenă 15 concurenți care luptă pentru un loc în marea finală, în timp ce România își pregătește intrarea în competiție în semifinala de joi.
adevarul · 8 days ago
Eurovision 2026, pagelle della prima semifinale: bocciate Svezia e Georgia, vola Sal Da Vinci Coreografie scatenate, laser, doposci e giubbottini tristi: sul palco della Wiener Stadhalle sfilano musica e stravaganze. I nostri voti
corriere · 8 days ago
Eurovision, al via la prima semifinale: apre la Moldovia, ovazione per Sal Da Vinci Si apre la 70esima edizione dellEurovision song contest, ospitata dalla Wiener Stadthalle di Vienna. Sul palco Sal Da Vinci con Per sempre sì, ma la vigilia è segnata dalle proteste anti-Israele
corriere · 8 days ago
Eurovision al via con le proteste anti Israele: piccole bare nel centro di Vienna Si apre la 70esima edizione dellEurovision song contest, ospitata dalla Wiener Stadthalle di Vienna. Sul palco Sal Da Vinci con Per sempre sì, ma la vigilia è segnata dalle proteste anti-Israele
corriere · 8 days ago
Eurovision al via: le proteste anti Israele, lattesa per Sal Da Vinci Si apre la 70esima edizione dellEurovision song contest, ospitata dalla Wiener Stadthalle di Vienna. Sul palco Sal Da Vinci con Per sempre sì, ma la vigilia è segnata dalle proteste anti-Israele
corriere · 8 days ago
Estonias Eurovision winner looks back 25 years on Today, May 12, marks 25 years since Estonia won the Eurovision Song Contest.
news.err · 8 days ago
![Eurovision 2026 boycott rocks contest as Spain protests – How to watch and what fans think The Eurovision Song Contest returns tonight without entries from five nations in a historic walkout over Israels involvement. Spain stands […]](https://euroweeklynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/ESC26_StageReveal_1_4gTALYX-fill_size2560x1600-1024x613.png?type=local)
Eurovision 2026 boycott rocks contest as Spain protests – How to watch and what fans think The Eurovision Song Contest returns tonight without entries from five nations in a historic walkout over Israels involvement. Spain stands […]
euroweeklynews · 8 days ago
Irish TV to air Father Ted instead of Eurovision final in protest against Israels inclusion National broadcaster RTÉ accused of antisemitism for decision to screen satirical 1996 Eurovision episode in boycott of contest It is considered one of the funniest episodes of a beloved sitcom, but the Father Ted storyline about Eurovision has been dragged into the row over Israels participation in this weeks song contest.Irelands national broadcaster, RTÉ, which is boycotting the competition in protest against Israels inclusion, will instead broadcast the 1996 episode A Song for Europe, in which the characters Father Ted and Father Dougal perform their song My Lovely Horse and earn nul points. Continue reading...
theguardian · 8 days ago
Watch Live: Vanilla Ninja performing in Eurovision semifinal in Vienna Estonias Eurovision Song Contest hopefuls Vanilla Ninja are competing in the first semi-final in Vienna Tuesday evening.
news.err · 9 days ago