This file photo dated May 17, 2022 shows the 75th Cannes Film Festival, the Palme d'Or Award, Cannes, France, May 17, 2022. A Chopard representative displays an exceptional Palme d'Or, the highest prize awarded to competing films, created for the 75th anniversary of the Cannes Film Festival, during an interview on the day of the opening ceremony of the festival. (PHOTO / REUTERS)
The Cannes Film Festival will roll out its red carpet next week, with Leonardo DiCaprio, Natalie Portman and Harrison Ford among the Hollywood stars expected at the glitzy industry event on the French Riviera
This year's festival is the 76th edition of cinema's biggest showcase, made up of screenings, press conferences and glamorous parties.
Films screening out of competition include Martin Scorsese's "Killers of the Flower Moon" and Harrison Ford's return as the famed adventurer in "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny"
Below are some facts about the Cannes Film Festival and this year's contenders.
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What is the cannes film festival and why is it celebrated?
Cannes is the world's biggest film festival, first conceived in 1939 as an alternative to the then-fascist-influenced Venice Film Festival.
It has been held annually since 1946 except in 1948 and 1950, when it was cancelled due to lack of funds.
The festival is known for its carefully selected programme of films that have gone on to Oscar glory or launched the careers of directors like Quentin Tarantino.
Running alongside it is the world's biggest film market, drawing more than 12,500 film industry professionals annually.
When is cannes?
This year's festival begins on May 16, with French-language film "Jeanne du Barry" starring director Maiwenn and Johnny Depp. It runs until May 27, closing with Pixar's animation "Elemental".
What movies have been selected for cannes 2023?
There are several categories making up the official selection of films shown, the top being the "in competition" movies vying for the Palme d'Or prize.
This year's 21 contenders are:
"Club Zero" by Jessica Hausner
"The Zone of Interest" by Jonathan Glazer
"Kuolleet Lehdet" ("Fallen Leaves") by Aki Kaurismaki
"Les Filles d’Olfa" ("Four Daughters") by Kaouther Ben Hania
"Asteroid City" by Wes Anderson
"Anatomie d'une chute" ("Anatomy of a Fall") by Justine Triet
"Kaibutsu" ("Monster") by Kore-eda Hirokazu
"Il Sol dell' Avvenire" ("A Brighter Tomorrow") by Nanni Moretti
"L’ete dernier" ("Last Summer") by Catherine Breillat
"Kuru Otlar Ustune" ("About Dry Grasses") by Nuri Bilge Ceylan
"La Chimera" by Alice Rohrwacher
"La Passion de Dodin Bouffant" ("The Pot-au-Feu" by Tran Anh Hung
"Rapito" ("Kidnapped") by Marco Bellocchio
"May December" by Todd Haynes
"Qing Chun" ("Youth") by Wang Bing
"The Old Oak" by Ken Loach
"Banel e Adama" by Ramata-Toulaye Sy
"Perfect Days" by Wim Wenders
"Firebrand" by Karim Aïnouz
"Black Flies" by Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire
"Le Retour" ("Homecoming") by Catherine Corsini
Films screening out of competition include Martin Scorsese's "Killers of the Flower Moon" and Harrison Ford's return as the famed adventurer in "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny".
There are also categories for short films and the art-house film-focused “Un Certain Regard” sidebar section.
READ MORE: New Johnny Depp movie will open Cannes Film Festival
What are the prizes and who has won in the past?
Cannes' top prize is the Palme d'Or, whose past winners include "Taxi Driver", "Apocalypse Now", "Pulp Fiction", "The Pianist" and "Parasite".
Only two female directors, Jane Campion and Julia Ducournau - have won the prize - for "The Piano" and "Titane," respectively.
Other awards include the Grand Prix, jury prize, best director, best actor, best actress, best screenplay and best short film.
"Triangle of Sadness" won the Palme d'Or last year.
In this file photo dated May 22, 2019, producer Leonardo DiCaprio poses at 72nd Cannes Film Festival. (PHOTO / REUTERS)
In this file photo dated May 16, 2015, actress and director Natalie Portman (center) poses on the red carpet as she arrives with cast members for the screening of her film "A Tale of Love and Darkness" during the 68th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France. (PHOTO / REUTERS)
In this file photo dated May 27, 2022, Tallia Storm poses at the 75th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France. (PHOTO / REUTERS)
In this file photo dated May 21, 2019, director Quentin Tarantino and cast members Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie and Leonardo DiCaprio pose at 72nd Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France. (PHOTO / REUTERS)
In this file photo dated May 28, 2022, director Tarik Saleh, Best Screenplay award winner for the film "Boy from Heaven", and director Ruben Ostlund, Palme d'Or award winner for the film "Triangle of Sadness", pose at the 75th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France. (PHOTO / REUTERS)
