The 2024 Cannes Film Festival opened on Tuesday evening with an honorary Palme d'Or awarded to US actor Meryl Streep, who noted that the first time she had attended 35 years ago she was the mother of three children.
"I was about to turn 40, and I thought my career was over – not an unrealistic expectation for actresses at that time," Streep, now 74, said to applause.
"The only reason I am here tonight is because of the very gifted artists with whom I have worked … To you all, I owe so much. I'm so grateful you haven't gotten sick of my face," she said.
The award was presented by French star Juliette Binoche. Speaking through tears, Binoche said: "You changed the way we look at women in the cinema world and also helped us to look at ourselves differently."
Master of ceremonies Camille Cottin introduced the jury, led this year by "Barbie" director Greta Gerwig.
French musician Zaho de Sagazan sang a cover of David Bowie's "Modern Love" in tribute to the film "Frances Ha." Gerwig, who co-wrote the film and stars as the protagonist, was visibly moved. Bowie's song is featured in the film.
Among others present were Jane Fonda as well as German celebrities Matthias Schweighöfer and Heidi Klum.
An unusual guest was Messi, the dog from "Anatomy of a Fall" directed by Justine Triet, which took the Palme d'Or last year.
The festival was to be opened with "Le Deuxième Acte" by Quentin Dupieux, which stars French actors Léa Seydoux, Vincent Lindon und Louis Garrel.