Cannes 2025 Opens Amid Tariff Threat, Streaming Debate

The 2025 Cannes Film Festival opens with a high-profile lineup, including Wes Anderson's 'The Phoenician Scheme,' Irish actor Paul Mescal in competition, and Bono's film adaptation of his one-man show. Indian cinema features prominently, with Neeraj Ghaywan's 'Homebound' in the Un Certain Regard section and appearances by Bollywood stars Alia Bhatt and Janhvi Kapoor, while Sharmila Tagore presents a restored Satyajit Ray classic. Hollywood figures such as Tom Cruise will attend amid industry tensions over President Trump's threat of 100% tariffs on foreign films and ongoing debates about the influence of streaming platforms like Netflix. The festival continues to serve as a crucial Oscar launchpad, highlighted by films like 'Anora' winning both the Palme d'Or and Best Picture in recent years. Cannes also explores the impact of emerging technologies and global industry shifts. Despite political and economic challenges, the festival remains a major hub for cinematic artistry and glamour.