As the 76th Cannes Film Festival draws near, speculations about the lineup for the prestigious event are in full swing. While official invitations from Cannes boss Thierry Fremaux are yet to be widely circulated, industry insiders are buzzing with predictions and insights into what could grace the Main Competition slate this year.
Among the anticipated names confirmed to make an appearance are Yorgos Lanthimos, David Cronenberg, Andrea Arnold, Jacques Audiard, and Kirill Serebrennikov. These filmmakers are expected to bring their latest works to the festival, adding to the allure of Cannes.
Luca Guadagnino’s “Queer” is reportedly being considered for a screening by Thierry Fremaux, although a Venice premiere seems more probable for the film. Similarly, Audrey Diwan’s “Emmanuelle” is deliberating between Cannes and Venice, with no decision made yet.
There are conflicting reports surrounding Clint Eastwood’s “Juror #2,” with early buzz suggesting a positive reception for Eastwood’s final film. While Warner Bros. aims for a fall release to enhance its awards prospects, Cannes remains a possibility, given Eastwood’s inclination towards the festival.
Francis Ford Coppola’s “Megalopolis” is leaning towards a Cannes debut, despite still being in post-production. On the other hand, Ali Abassi’s “The Apprentice,” centered around Donald Trump in the ’70s and ’80s, is racing against time to complete post-production for potential inclusion in the festival lineup.
As for Mike Leigh’s “Hard Truths,” there’s uncertainty regarding its premiere venue, with some suggesting Cannes while others lean towards Venice. Leigh’s past experience with Cannes rejection adds an element of strategic maneuvering to the decision-making process.
Following the success of the 2023 edition, which featured acclaimed works from renowned filmmakers, including Martin Scorsese and Jonathan Glazer, Cannes 2024 faces the challenge of fewer high-profile names due to last year’s strikes. However, this could pave the way for unexpected surprises and breakout talents to shine at the festival.
The official lineup for Cannes 2024 will be unveiled on April 11, less than three weeks away from the festival’s commencement on May 14. As anticipation mounts, cinephiles around the world eagerly await the unveiling of the cinematic gems that will grace the Croisette.
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