“To all of you who are trying to resist, here and elsewhere. Good evening and welcome.”

Photos by © Jean-Louis Hupé /FDC

With those opening words, French actress Eye Haïdara set the tone for the Opening Ceremony of the 79th Festival de Cannes, delivering an impassioned address that blended political resonance with a heartfelt tribute to cinema’s enduring power.

Appearing on the stage of the Grand Théâtre Lumière alongside violinist Miri Ben-Ari, Haïdara invoked Jean-Luc Godard, “We don’t make a film to be cautious,” while celebrating filmmakers who confront difficult truths, champion unseen lives, and use humour as “a form of courage.”

Her remarks also served as a declaration of love for theatrical cinema and storytelling itself: “Nothing has been found better than two hours in the dark to learn how to watch and listen to others in full light.”

The ceremony then welcomed this year’s Competition Jury, led by South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook and featuring an international lineup including Demi Moore, Ruth Negga, Laura Wandel, Chloé Zhao, Diego Céspedes, Isaach De Bankolé, Paul Laverty and Stellan Skarsgård.

A major highlight of the evening came as Elijah Wood introduced longtime collaborator Peter Jackson to a sustained standing ovation. Reflecting on his Cannes history, Jackson described his previous Festival appearances as “unexpected and almost miraculous,” while emphasising that technology in filmmaking only matters when it serves humanity.

The tribute continued musically with performances by Theodora and Oklou, who delivered a rendition of Get Back in recognition of Jackson’s acclaimed documentary series The Beatles: Get Back.

Closing the ceremony, screen icons Gong Li and Jane Fonda took the stage together to officially declare the 79th Cannes Film Festival open, calling for the celebration of “boldness, freedom, and the fierce act of creation.”

The ceremony, broadcast live on France 2 and Brut, was followed by the premiere of La Vénus électrique from director Pierre Salvadori, which opened in French cinemas the same day.

Beyond the Croisette, the Festival expanded its national reach through live screenings in more than 950 cinemas across France in partnership with the Fédération Nationale des Cinémas Français, underscoring Cannes’ continuing role as both a global industry event and a major public-facing cultural platform.

Throughout the Festival, coverage from Festival TV, produced by France Télévisions, Brut., and the Festival de Cannes, will include red carpet arrivals, press conferences, photocalls and official events across digital and broadcast platforms.