Papparazzi's ready, the red carpet is rolled out and the Riviera has begun its 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival. As per customary opening ceremony rituals, here's what happened on day 1 of the festival!
Yes, it’s that time of the year again when the world’s attention shifts to the picturesque French Riviera, as the prestigious Cannes Film Festival raises the curtain on a brand new cinematic chapter. The 78th edition promises not just a race for the Palme d’Or, but a feast of fashion, films, and unforgettable moments that will be part of the cultural conversation in future. As always, there’s much to look forward to, including world premieres, iconic red carpet moments (now under updated guidelines), and powerful storytelling from across the globe. But beyond the glitz, this is a heartfelt celebration of cinema itself, a sentiment echoed beautifully in this year’s official Cannes 2025 poster which is made in the style of double poster featuring actress Anouk Aimée and actor Jean-Louis Trintignant in the movie A Man and a Woman (1966) by Claude Lelouch, winner of the Palme d'Or at the 19th Cannes Film Festival, was designed by Hartland Villa.
Here’s everything that went down on the opening day!
The feature film jury made their grand entrance
The 2025 main competition jury is a global talent powerhouse, walking the red steps with elegance, presence, and hand-in-hand. Presided over by acclaimed French actress Juliette Binoche (The English Patient, Chocolat), the jury includes Halle Berry, Oscar-winning American actress and director (Monster’s Ball, Bruised), Dieudo Hamadi, Congolese filmmaker (Downstream to Kinshasa), Hong Sang-soo, South Korean director (The Woman Who Ran, In Water), Payal Kapadia, India’s rising auteur and Grand Prix winner last year (All We Imagine As Light), Carlos Reygadas, Mexican filmmaker (Post Tenebras Lux, Silent Light), Alba Rohrwacher, Italian actress (The Wonders, Happy as Lazzaro), Leïla Slimani, Moroccan-French author (Lullaby), and Jeremy Strong, Emmy-winning American actor (Succession, The Trial of the Chicago 7).
French actor and comedian Laurent Lafitte returns to Cannes to host the opening and closing ceremonies, while Payal Kapadia made a bold fashion statement in a chequered pantsuit by Arjun Saluja paired with an exquisite necklace by Amrapali jewels in her subtle yet impactful style.
Leonardo DiCaprio presents Honorary Palme d'Or to Robert De Niro
One of the precious moments of the evening came when Leonardo DiCaprio took the stage to present the Honorary Palme d'Or to his longtime co-star and cinematic icon, Robert De Niro. This tradition, begun with Tom Cruise in 2022 and Meryl Streep in 2024, honours lifetime contributions to cinema. De Niro, visibly moved, shared a warm embrace with DiCaprio before delivering a powerful speech “Tonight, and for the next 11 days, we show our strength and commitment by celebrating art in this glorious festival. Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité.”
Quentin Tarantino surprises with a mic-drop moment
In a surprise appearance that only he could pull off, Quentin Tarantino stormed the stage to declare the 78th Cannes Film Festival officially open. The 62-year-old auteur, known for Pulp Fiction, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and his deep love for celluloid, lit up the room with his signature enthusiasm.
India’s Cannes regular, Urvashi Rautela, makes her appearance and the Red carpet had more dazzlers with glamour in full swing
For the third consecutive year, Urvashi Rautela graced the red carpet featuring a signature parrot-shaped clutch, crown-style headpiece, and a confident flair. Eva Longoria stunned in a gold-and-black couture gown from Tamara Ralph’s SS25 collection, while Heidi Klum was seeing in a dazzling Elie Saab dress with a thigh-high slit. Even Bella Hadid made heads turn in a custom Saint Laurent gown featuring sultry cutouts and high slits, debuting a dramatic new blonde hairstyle. Julia Garner, Sean Baker, Quentin Tarantino, among others, were also spotted on the infamous red carpet.
The festival opened with the film Leave One Day by Amélie Bonnin
This year’s festival opened with the warm and introspective French film Leave One Day (Partir un jour) by emerging filmmaker Amélie Bonnin. The story follows two estranged siblings who reunite for a road trip across France after years of silence. Interpreted as a tender and lyrical exploration of memory, family, and forgiveness, the film is in line with the festival’s commitment this year to heart and humanity.
With this wrap-up hope you're all caught up with the highlights from Cannes Day 1! As this 12-day festival goes on, catch up on everyday highlights and snippets from Indian content creators attending the festival with us!
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