New red carpet rules have been implemented, limiting nudity and the length of dress trains, which has sparked discussions about accessibility and inclusivity within the event.

The opening day was marked by a calm atmosphere, setting the stage for a festival filled with anticipation and tension.

As of May 2025, the Gaza health authority reports over 52,600 deaths due to Israeli military actions, with the population facing severe food shortages.

Cannes organizers denied reports of banning provocative near-nude dresses on the red carpet, although full nudity remains prohibited under French law.

The 78th Cannes Film Festival kicked off on May 13, 2025, with a focus on the impact of Russia's war on Ukraine, featuring documentaries about President Volodymyr Zelensky.

While there is no dedicated programming for Gaza, festival organizers plan to honor Palestinian photojournalist Fatima Hassouna through the screening of her documentary.

Filmmakers expressed outrage over restrictions on foreign journalists entering Gaza since the massacres that began on October 7, 2023, highlighting the targeting of civilians.

The festival's opening film was 'Leave One Day' by debut director Amélie Bonnin, and Robert De Niro received an honorary Palme d'Or during the ceremony.

Hassouna's documentary, 'Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk,' directed by Iranian filmmaker Sepideh Farsi, is set to premiere on May 15, 2025.

In a powerful statement published in Libération, Pedro Almodóvar, Susan Sarandon, Richard Gere, and 380 other artists condemned the cultural silence surrounding the genocide in Gaza.

The signatories emphasized the role of cinema in reflecting societal issues and called for action to protect oppressed voices and ensure that their art does not become complicit in injustice.

Sepideh Farsi urged Cannes organizers to publicly denounce Israel's military actions against Gaza, stating that the festival's stance of neutrality is insufficient.