By Sama Marwan,
The 78th edition of the Cannes International Film Festival—one of the most prestigious and long-standing film festivals in the world—is set to kick off in a few hours. This year’s edition brings with it a series of noteworthy updates, special honors, and a prominent Arab presence, led by Egypt’s long-awaited return after a notable absence.
Strict Dress Code at the 78th Edition’s Red Carpet
In a move aimed at reinforcing decorum and propriety, the Cannes Festival administration announced updated dress code regulations, which include a strict ban on nudity on the red carpet or at any part of the festival. Organizers stated that the decision was made for reasons related to public decency—just hours ahead of the opening ceremony.
Tributes to Robert De Niro and Nicole Kidman
The opening ceremony will feature a special tribute to global cinema legend Robert De Niro, who will receive the Honorary Palme d’Or in recognition of his lifetime achievements. The award comes just a year ahead of the 50th anniversary of his iconic film Taxi Driver, which won the Palme d’Or in 1976.
Nicole Kidman will also be honored with the Women in Motion Award, which celebrates women’s contributions to cinema. The award is part of a partnership between the Cannes Film Festival and the Kering Group.
22 Films Competing in the Main Competition
The 78th edition will feature 22 films competing in the official selection, offering a diverse mix of cinematic styles and schools—promising a rich and varied film season.
Egypt Returns to the Spotlight at Cannes
Egypt makes its official return to the Cannes Film Festival through a dedicated pavilion within the festival’s accompanying film market (Marché du Film). The pavilion is organized through a collaboration between the Cairo International Film Festival and the El Gouna Film Festival.
The Egyptian pavilion aims to:
Promote Egypt as a global filming destination with diverse landscapes and visual richness.
Highlight Egypt’s cinematic infrastructure and production capabilities.
Host panel discussions and events to support young Egyptian talent.
The pavilion serves as a vital platform for Egyptian filmmakers to network with global production companies, paving the way for regional and international collaborations and strengthening Egypt’s presence in the global film industry.
What to Expect from the 78th Cannes Film Festival
The 78th edition is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated and influential in the festival’s history, especially amid global shifts in the film industry and the ongoing evolution of cinematic storytelling techniques.
