So, this is what economizing looks like in Cannes.
While the rosé still flowed, it did so with a newfound sense of restraint, and scoring a reservation at Michelin-starred restaurants, usually booked months in advance, was surprisingly easy. The once-exclusive Hôtel du Cap had rooms available, signaling a significant shift. Most concerning of all, the deals — both for films that premiered in Cannes and those seeking financing — are dragging, reflecting an industry still reeling from Covid shutdowns and two crippling labor strikes. Donna Langley, chairman of NBCUniversal Studio Group, starkly noted that the domestic box office is down 20%, with global figures even bleaker. “We don’t really think we’re going to recapture that,” she admitted.
As Cannes draws to a close, here are five moments that defined a festival fighting to reclaim its sparkle.
Hollywood’s Spark Fizzles Out
Even before Cannes rolled out the red carpet, insiders privately admitted that the production delays from actors’ and writers’ strikes left them with slim pickings for blockbuster premieres. George Miller’s “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” was politely received but lacked the explosive impact of “Mad Max: Fury Road.” Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Kinds of Kindness” was a divisive return to his edgy roots, splitting audiences with its nearly three-hour runtime. Some hailed it as a scathing take on human nature, while others found it unbearably bloated. Kevin Costner’s ambitious “Horizon: An American Saga” earned a lengthy ovation but failed to garner the critical acclaim needed to drive multiplex traffic. Hollywood’s usual firepower was conspicuously absent.
“Emilia Pérez” Enchants Against All Odds
It seemed an improbable success. Yet “Emilia Pérez,” a Spanish-language musical drama about a Mexican cartel leader seeking gender-affirming surgery, directed by Jacques Audiard — a filmmaker with zero musical experience — emerged as the festival’s surprise darling. Featuring stellar performances from Zoe Saldaña and Selena Gomez, and a breakout role for Karla Sofía Gascón, the film captivated audiences and critics alike. Major U.S. studios are reportedly vying for distribution rights, and it’s poised to be a strong contender in the upcoming awards season. Sometimes, the most unlikely projects hit all the right notes.
Politics on Pause
In a world on edge over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Cannes, typically a platform for political expression, largely sidestepped the issue. There were exceptions: Laura Blajman-Kadar, a survivor of the Oct. 7 attacks, wore a striking yellow dress adorned with images of Israeli hostages and a sash reading “Bring them home.” A few actors sported pro-Palestinian pins, and Cannes juror Omar Sy called for a ceasefire via social media. However, press conferences and public events remained conspicuously apolitical, a stark contrast to the charged global atmosphere.
#MeToo Movement Gathers Steam in France
France has been slow to confront the #MeToo movement, but change is unmistakably on the horizon. Judith Godrèche’s documentary “Moi Aussi” brought the issue to the forefront at Cannes, detailing harrowing accounts of misconduct and sexual abuse within the film industry. Despite the growing momentum, old habits die hard. Shia LaBeouf, facing a lawsuit for sexual battery and assault, attended the premiere of “Megalopolis,” and James Franco, beset by multiple allegations, sold his thriller “The Razor’s Edge” at the Cannes Market. The tension between old guard and new movement was palpable.
Trump Unleashed: “The Apprentice” Ignites Controversy
“The Apprentice,” chronicling how Roy Cohn molded Donald Trump into a mercurial force in New York real estate, exploded onto the scene. The film’s unflattering portrayal of Trump — from scenes of sexual violence and cosmetic surgery to amphetamine addiction and mob deals — is bound to provoke a Twitter tirade. The most incendiary moment might be Trump’s emotional breakdown over his alcoholic brother’s death, a stark contrast to his public persona. As it hunts for U.S. distribution, “The Apprentice” poses the question: will it find a taker, or is it too controversial for an election year where Trump is a formidable contender?
In a year of economic strain and shifting paradigms, these five moments from Cannes encapsulate a festival in transition, striving to shine amidst uncertainty.
