78th Cannes Film Festival Opens with Star-Studded Ceremony and New Dress Code Controversy

The 78th Cannes Film Festival kicked off with a glamorous opening ceremony featuring a parade of A-list celebrities on the iconic red carpet. Hollywood legends and fashion icons including Halle Berry, Bella Hadid, Robert De Niro, Eva Longoria, Heidi Klum, and Quentin Tarantino were among the attendees marking the start of the prestigious 12-day celebration of world cinema.

New Dress Code Sparks Debate

This year's festival introduced controversial new red carpet rules prohibiting nudity and excessively voluminous outfits with large trains. Festival organizers cited both decency concerns and practical considerations regarding traffic flow on the carpet. However, the enforcement appeared inconsistent, with several celebrities seemingly defying the restrictions by wearing revealing or large gowns.

"The new rules change the festival's brand and spectacle," noted one critic, highlighting the tension between tradition and regulation at the world's most prestigious film event.

De Niro Honored with Special Recognition

A highlight of the opening ceremony saw Leonardo DiCaprio presenting Robert De Niro with an Honorary Palme d'Or, celebrating the actor's legendary career and contributions to cinema. Quentin Tarantino had the honor of declaring the festival officially open.

Jury and Competition

This year's jury includes acclaimed actresses Juliette Binoche and Halle Berry, who will help decide which film receives the coveted Palme d'Or award. The selection process is notoriously secretive and often results in controversial decisions, with past awards frequently debated by critics and cinephiles who believe more deserving films were overlooked.

The festival continues its tradition as a premier showcase for international cinema and remains one of the most important events on the global film calendar.