**Cannes Film Festival: Stars and Stories Set to Shine**

This year's festival promises to be a star-studded event, featuring major premieres, emerging directors, and significant documentaries while addressing pressing social issues.

As the highly anticipated Cannes Film Festival approaches its opening on Tuesday, the French Riviera is set to host an array of Hollywood luminaries, including Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Lawrence, and Tom Cruise. Renowned for its prestige, Cannes serves as a critical launchpad for films that frequently earn accolades at awards ceremonies.

Here are five key highlights to watch for at this year’s festival:

1. **Oscar Contenders in the Spotlight**
Cannes has solidified its reputation as a breeding ground for award-winning films. With the success of last year’s Palme d'Or winner, Anora, which later won the Academy Award for Best Picture, the stakes are high. This year's jury, headed by celebrated French actress Juliette Binoche and featuring Halle Berry and Jeremy Strong, will evaluate strong contenders, including Lynne Ramsay's adaptation of *Die My Love*, which stars Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson. Another anticipated film, *The Mastermind*, features Josh O’Connor in a dual lead role alongside Paul Mescal.

2. **Stars Transitioning to Directing**
Scarlett Johansson is not only appearing but is also making her directorial debut with *Eleanor the Great*, which tells the story of a 94-year-old woman unexpectedly thrust into fame. Fellow actress Kristen Stewart is also stepping behind the camera with her adaptation of Lidia Yuknavitch's memoir in *The Chronology of Water*. Additionally, British actor Harris Dickinson will present *Urchin*, a narrative driven by personal struggles portrayed through a homeless protagonist.

3. **Hollywood Icons Gather**
In further notable appearances, Robert De Niro will receive the honorary Palme d'Or while premiering Spike Lee's latest work, *Highest 2 Lowest*, a modern-day take on Kurosawa's classic. Jodie Foster also returns to the festival with her role in the French film *Vie Privée*. As the festival unfolds, Tom Cruise is likely to grace the red carpet for the premiere of his final *Mission: Impossible* film.

4. **Eye-Opening Documentaries**
This year’s slate includes powerful documentaries addressing current global issues, such as *Put Your Soul On Your Hand And Walk*, profiling Palestinian journalists amidst the rising tensions in Gaza. The festival will also feature *Once Upon a Time In Gaza* and other notable documentaries, including films focusing on figures like Julian Assange and U2’s Bono.

5. **Social Issues on the Agenda**
The festival's commencement could be overshadowed by a pivotal verdict in Gerard Depardieu's sexual assault trial, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding abuse in the film industry. With calls for change surrounding the #MeToo movement, discussions are anticipated to resonate throughout the festival commentary. Additionally, the possible ramifications of proposed tariffs on foreign films by the US President could stir debates among attendees.

Cannes 2023 is shaping up to be an event where stars leave their mark both on-screen and off, addressing critical issues while celebrating cinematic artistry.