The 79th Cannes Film Festival has kicked off in style, with a series of tributes and political statements dominating the first day of the event. The festival, which is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious in the world, is being attended by top talent from the UK and around the globe.
British actress Emily Blunt was among those paying tribute to the late actress, Dame Diana Rigg, who passed away in 2020. Blunt, who starred alongside Rigg in the 2014 film 'Into the Woods', spoke about the impact that Rigg had on her career and praised her 'extraordinary talent'.
The festival has also seen a number of high-profile political statements, with several films and panels addressing issues such as climate change and social justice. The UK film industry is well-represented at the festival, with a number of British films and talent in attendance.
Among the UK films being showcased at the festival is 'The End We Start From', a drama starring Jodie Whittaker and directed by Mahalia Belo. The film tells the story of a woman who becomes pregnant during a pandemic and is being hailed as a powerful exploration of motherhood and identity.
Other highlights of the festival include screenings of films such as 'The French Dispatch' and 'Annette', as well as a number of high-profile panels and Q&A sessions.
For UK audiences, the Cannes Film Festival is always a major event, with many of the films and talent being showcased at the festival going on to achieve critical and commercial success in the UK. The festival is also a key platform for UK film-makers and talent to showcase their work and gain international recognition.