The 75th edition of the Cannes Film Festival opened on the evening of Tuesday May 17, against a backdrop of war in Ukraine and between two waves of the Covid-19 epidemic, with the first climb of the jury steps and the screening of the last film by Michel Hazanavicius. Franceinfo summarizes the highlights of the evening.
1The presentation of the Palme d’honneur to Forest Whitaker
American actor and director Forest Whitaker received the festival’s Palme d’honneur, which recognizes his entire career. “Throughout my four-decade career, I have searched for who I am as a person, and what connects us all in the light of each character. My acting has made me more aware of the world”did he declare.
2The speech of Vincent Lindon, president of the jury
“I tried to write a text because it’s the only way I’ve found to manage to speak. Alone, reduced to myself under the limelight, condemned to freedom, I am deeply moved, proud and overwhelmed to lead this exceptional jury”, has declared Vincent Lindon, president of the jury, during the opening ceremony.
“Can we do anything other than use cinema, this weapon of massive emotion, to awaken consciences and shake up indifference?”, he also added.
3Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s speech
For nearly ten minutes, the Ukrainian president denounced Russia’s war in Ukraine and called on the world of cinema not to be silent. “We need a new Chaplin who will prove that cinema is not silent” in the face of war, Volodymyr Zelensky said in particular, via video.
“We will continue to fight, we have no other choice (…) I am convinced that the ‘dictator’ will lose”, he declared in front of the gratin of world cinema, in reference to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Charlie Chaplin’s film, which he has quoted several times. His appearance aroused surprise in the room and a standing ovation from the audience.
