Midnight in Paris, a romantic comedy from director Woody Allen, opened the 64th Cannes Film Festival. Allen was joined by cast members Adrien Brody, Owen Wilson and Michael Sheen on the coveted red carpet. Interestingly the film features French first lady Carla Bruni. Midnight in Paris follows a writer who goes back in time to 1920s Paris.
The film also stars critically acclaimed actress, Marion Cotillard. The opening ceremony that preceded Allen's film included a performance by British jazz pianist Jamie Cullum, who played a medley of songs about New York City.
It also saw Italian director Bernardo Bertolucci - of Last Tango in Paris and The Last Emperor fame - receive an honorary Palme d'Or.
"I waited a bit but here it is," said the 71-year-old, who had never received the festival's grand prize before. "The surprise makes this even more important," he continued before declaring the festival officially open.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Allen was at his witty best as he praised Ms Bruni - not in Cannes "for personal and also for professional reasons" - for her contribution. "She was everything that I thought she would be," he said. "She came in and did her part very gracefully."
