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Show Quick Read<\/span> <\/p>\n Key points generated by AI, verified by newsroom<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n The glitzy 79th Cannes Film Festival kicks off today, drawing eyes worldwide as cinema icons gather on the French Riviera. This year’s event faces Hollywood’s absence, rising AI debates in films, and a spotlight on global stars including Indian talents. Expect drama on and off screen from May 12 to 23, with top prizes up for grabs amid changing industry winds.<\/p>\n Twenty-two films compete for the Palme d’Or, featuring works by renowned directors. Spain’s Pedro Almod\u00f3var, Japan’s Hirokazu Kore-eda, and Romania’s Cristian Mungiu lead the lineup, joined by fresh voices like Belgium’s Lukas Dhont and France’s Lea Mysius. Hirokazu Kore-eda’s AI-themed Sheep in the Box stands out as a top contender, alongside South Korean Na Hong-jin’s Hope.<\/p>\n Unlike earlier editions of Cannes, which saw stars like Tom Cruise<\/span><\/span> bringing major blockbusters and studios such as Disney<\/span><\/span> premiering films from the Star Wars<\/span><\/span> franchise, this year\u2019s festival will not feature Hollywood\u2019s biggest productions. Highly anticipated films including The Odyssey<\/span><\/span> and Disclosure Day<\/span><\/span> are skipping Cannes entirely.<\/p>\n Industry experts believe the absence of major studio films is linked to budget-conscious strategies, the growing preference for carefully managed social media-driven promotions, and concerns that negative reactions from Cannes critics could harm a film\u2019s reputation before release.<\/p>\n\n
\u00a0Main Competition Highlights<\/h2>\n
\u00a0Hollywood’s Notable Absence<\/h2>\n