The Cannes Film Festival is finally here!

Over the next two weeks, the sandy beaches of Cannes will be awash with stars and socialites as the festival kicks off.

Opening the world renowned event is Wes Anderson’s newest work, Moonrise Kingdom. This coveted ‘first in the lineup’ spot will no doubt be attended by the movie industry’s acting glitterati as celebs flood into the coastal town from all over the world.

The superstar daughter of American actor Will Smith, Willow Smith, was spotted at the Nice airport this morning with her mother looking happy to be on the Riviera for one of the world’s most exclusive events. She’s too young to party at the various clubs and bars along the Côte d’Azur, but one actress who’s bound to join in with the champagne festivities is American Pie star Tara Reid who was papped outside Wayne’s Bar in Vieux Nice on Tuesday evening.

For one man on the Côte d’Azur, Christian Sinicropi, the opening day came especially quickly. Head chef at the prestigious Palme d’Or restaurant in Hotel Martinez, Sinicropi is putting months of preparation into practice as he gets ready to serve up a haut cuisine meal for the jury of the event.

If you’re desperate to get in on the Film Festival action but lack the essential star credits to your name, don’t panic! Cannes Film Festival has set up a gorgeous programme of free beach screenings on Plage Mace, a two minute’s walk from the legendary Palais. Catch a viewing of classics such as Diamonds Are Forever and Jaws from 9.30pm every night during the festival, starting tomorrow.

Head to the sands early if you want a comfy seat and enjoy a pre-movie concert from 8.30pm each starlit evening. For more information on the free screenings, please visit our calendar by clicking here.

Elsa Carpenter