The spirit of Camille Cottin, the fervor of Zaho de Sagazan, the tears of Greta Gerwig, the legendary class of Meryl Streep… The opening ceremony of the 77th edition of the Cannes Festival has graced us with unforgettable moments.
From the depths of the Grand Théâtre Lumière, Zaho de Sagazan emerges. Floating above an ocean of tuxedos (also for some ladies) and haute couture dresses, she walks up the aisle performing an energetic version of Modern Love by David Bowie. On stage, Greta Gerwig, the extremely elegant jury president, cannot hold back her tears. This song evokes the cult scene from Frances Ha by Noah Baumbach, where she ran down the street, a tribute to Denis Lavant in Mauvais sang (Bad Blood in French) by Leos Carax.
Camille Cottin, in a deep green velvet Dior dress, kicks off the festivities with strong and funny words. She perfectly sums up the spirit of the festival, combining glamour and awareness of the world. She warns: "Here appearances are deceptive… Under the tuxedos and princess dresses sometimes hide punks and resistants".
Meryl Streep, in a white silk Dior dress, receives an honorary Palme. Thirty-five years after her acting award for Evil Angels, the actress is honored by a very moved Juliette Binoche. The room falls silent in front of excerpts from her legendary films like Kramer vs. Kramer and Sophie’s Choice. Streep, moved, thanks the cinephiles for their unconditional loyalty.
Demi Moore directed by filmmaker Coralie Fargeat scared viewers leaving the room during the screening. We are eagerly awaiting reactions to the film’s release in theaters.
This festival, however, offered surprises and memorable moments of cinema, where glamour and emotion mingle on the Croisette.