Photo Credit: Tom Cruise' Official Instagram account

It’s been a cinematic whirlwind on the French Riviera as the 78th Cannes Film Festival enters its final stretch — and if one thing’s certain, it’s that this year hasn’t disappointed.

From surprise tributes and long-awaited premieres to history-making appearances, this edition has brought together prestige, star power, and some genuinely unforgettable moments.

Denzel Washington Takes the Spotlight

In a surprise that had the entire Palais buzzing, Denzel Washington was awarded an honorary Palme d’Or during the premiere of “Highest 2 Lowest”, his new collaboration with director Spike Lee. The film, a reimagining of Akira Kurosawa’s “High and Low”, stars Washington as David King in a sharp-edged crime thriller already stirring awards buzz. It marks yet another landmark in the actor-director duo’s powerful filmography — and the standing ovation said it all.

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Angelina Jolie Returns to the Red Carpet

After 14 years away from Cannes, Angelina Jolie made a stunning return — and reminded everyone why she’s still one of Hollywood’s most commanding presences. She appeared at the premiere of Eddington and took on the role of this year’s Trophée Chopard ambassador, set to mentor rising actors across the year.

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Tom Cruise Brings Action Back to Cannes

Tom Cruise once again brought blockbuster energy to the Croisette with “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning”. The out-of-competition screening packed the Grand Théâtre Lumière and Cruise hinted it could be his final time as Ethan Hunt. The screening was followed by a five-minute standing ovation — a Cannes tradition, and a Cruise specialty.

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Kristen Stewart & Scarlett Johansson Make Their Directorial Debuts

Two familiar faces returned to Cannes this year — not as actresses, but as directors. Kristen Stewart’s “The Chronology of Water” premiered in the Un Certain Regard section, earning strong critical reactions for its raw and poetic adaptation of Lidia Yuknavitch’s memoir.

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Meanwhile, Scarlett Johansson premiered “Eleanor the Great”, also in Un Certain Regard. The film, which stars June Squibb and Chiwetel Ejiofor, marks a promising debut and suggests Johansson has more to say behind the camera.

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Egyptian Film in Un Certain Regard

Egyptian director Morad Mostafa's “Aisha Can’t Fly Away Anymore” was selected for the Un Certain Regard section. The film delves into the life of a Sudanese domestic worker in Cairo, exploring themes of displacement and resilience.

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Palestinian directors Tarzan and Arab Nasser also made headlines with “Once Upon a Time in Gaza”, portraying friendship and resilience under siege. And Tunisian-French filmmaker Hafsia Herzi debuted “La Petite Dernière”, another Un Certain Regard contender.

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French-Moroccan writer Leïla Slimani served on the main jury this year, offering a critical voice shaped by both literature and culture.

The inclusion of Arab and Egyptian filmmakers wasn’t just symbolic — it reflected a genuine shift in the festival’s narrative inclusivity.

Global Firsts and Festival Firsts

Cannes 2025 also made room for history. “My Father’s Shadow”, by Akinola Davies Jr., became the first Nigerian film ever selected for the festival’s official competition. A deeply personal story set in 1993 Lagos, the film screened as part of the Un Certain Regard lineup and was met with widespread praise.

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Nicole Kidman was honored at the Women in Motion Awards, using the moment to spotlight the lack of roles for older women in film — a necessary conversation that Cannes helped amplify on the world stage.

Surely this year has surprise us with a lot but don’t forget The Cannes Film Festival’s last day will be 24th May , so stay tuned for more exciting news!

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