He can Oscar replace the red carpet with beige this year (it is not known why), however, on Canneswho knows how to keep traditions, do not make such … mistakes. The Crimson Falls at the entrance to the Palais des Festivals are ready to receive movie stars, led by the ever-enchanting Catherine Deneuve, who graces the poster for this year’s event. His curtain 76th Cannes Film Festival (until 5/27) opens tonight, with a selection that lives up to its traditionally provocative spirit; not least because Maven, who signs the opening “Jeanne du Barry”considered one of the most daring directors of our time, but mainly because her movie stars Johnny Deppworthily returned to the spotlight after his long legal adventures.

However, the American actor is just one of the many stars who will be on the Croisette these days. OUR Harrison Ford will come to present the fifth and last (?) “Indiana Jones” directed by James Mangold, which will premiere out of competition at Cannes. The same will happen with the long-awaited “The Flower Moon Killers” Martin Scorsese starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro. In a competitive environment, on the other hand, “May December”, Todd Haynes’ new romantic drama starring Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore. The attention of President Reuben Östlund and the rest of the jury – in addition to this audience – will continue to be attracted by the stellar cast (Scarlett Johansson, Adrien Brody, Bryan Cranston, etc.) “Asteroid City” Wes Anderson.

A little less glitter, but a lot … pieces of cinematic value will bring with them other great creators of world cinema: the winner of the Palme d’Or, Japanese Hirokazu Kore Eda, “Monster”charismatic Finn Aki Kaurismäki (“Fallen leaves”), leading contemporary Turkish writer Nuri Bilge Ceylan (“About Dry Herbs”), wonderful veterans Wim Wenders (“Perfect Days”), Ken Loach (“Old Oak”) and Marco Bellocchio (kidnapped), promising Alicia Rohrwacher and others.

At the festival, actor Michael Douglas will be awarded the Palme d’Or for his lifetime contribution to The Seventh Art.

All of the above are up for the Palme d’Or in an event that is, however, of great interest both in the “Some Views” section and in the “Directors’ Fortnight” section, where Quentin Tarantino will be honored by giving a corresponding master class. The recognition of the festival this year will also receive Michael Douglas, in the form of an honorary Palme d’Or for all contributions to the Seventh Art.

On the Croisette you will also find Pedro Almodovar with the short film “The Strange Way of Life” starring Ethan Hawke and Pedro Pascal. The only Greek participation this year is also short – with o George Lanthimos chose not to bring “Poor things” – “Midnight Skin” by Manolis Mavris, which is presented at a special screening during the Critics’ Week – we remind you that the Greek director distinguished himself in this section with his previous film “Brutalia, Labor Days”. However, the Greek interest (and co-producer of the domestic Heretic) is also filmed in Malia, Crete. “How to have sex” Molly Manning Walker, who competes in the “Certain Look” contest.

All this, of course, provided that the festival starts and ends normally. Because we cannot ignore the fact that France is currently in the midst of a pension strike. A few weeks ago, the main energy trade union threatened to turn off the switches on festival days, and all sorts of activist actions are not ruled out. The region of Cannes, for its part, has recently reacted by banning any demonstrations on the grounds of the event (for the safety of the crowd, it was said), however, on Sunday 21 May, a pan-Gallistic mobilization was announced, which is considered most likely on the doorstep of the Palais des Festivals.