Cannes 2026 Opening Ceremony: Red Carpet Glamour and Peter Jackson's Honorary Honor

The 2026 Cannes Film Festival officially got underway with its opening ceremony on Tuesday night, May 12, drawing an impressive roster of A-listers to the French Riviera for red carpet appearances and celebration.

Jury members Demi Moore and Ruth Negga were among the evening's prominent attendees, while celebrity guests including Heidi Klum and Maura Higgins from The Traitors made their mark on the red carpet in Cannes.

The evening doubled as the premiere for Pierre Salvadori's film La Vénus Électrique (The Electric Kiss). Beyond the film debut, the night held special significance as director Peter Jackson was bestowed with an honorary Palme D'Or Award. The Lord of the Rings helmer's former star Elijah Wood took to the stage to present the honor, appearing alongside Jackson for the memorable moment.

Running through May 23, the festival will continue to showcase high fashion and cinematic talent across its duration.

Moore turned heads in a custom Jacquemus creation paired with Chopard jewelry, while Klum opted for an Elie Saab Couture gown. Negga made her own statement on the carpet, as did Higgins, who wore an Andrew Kwon gown.

Additional attendees brought their own sartorial flair to the evening. Maika Monroe selected an Ashi Studio gown, Jane Fonda wore Gucci, and James Franco arrived in a Giorgio Armani tuxedo alongside Izabel Pakzad.

Jackson's evening was made even more special with the presence of his two children, Billy and Katie. Wood arrived with his wife, Mette-Marie Kongsved, for the tribute to his former director.

The opening ceremony brought together an eclectic mix of industry figures, from established names to emerging talent, setting the tone for the festival's upcoming programming and red carpet moments.