The Cannes Film Festival is the ultimate event for cinephiles.

It’s a swanky affair set in a French Riviera city that looks like it was built for the silver screen. Hollywood’s heavy hitters and lesser-known artistes come together for a celebration of cinema.

Yet, even the most casual moviegoer can still happily munch popcorn without knowing much about this prestigious festival.

Last year’s films included out-of-competition screenings of The Idol, Killers of the Flower Moon, and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City was featured in competition, which had us hoping we’d see pics of Rupert Friend and Maya Hawke accidentally Wes Andersoning their way around Europe.

What will screen, who will be there, and can you visit this iconic film festival? Here’s everything you need to know about the Cannes Film Festival 2024.

Image Credit: Getty Images, vm

Your guide to the Cannes Film Festival 2024

Lumière, caméra, action!

When is Cannes Film Festival 2024?

The 77th Cannes Film Festival will take place between May 14th and May 25th, 2024. The Cannes Film Festival is one of the best times to visit the French Riviera, as it coincides with other French Riviera spring events like the Marché du Film, the Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco, Côte d'Azur Garden Festival, and Nice’s May Day festival.

Where is Cannes Film Festival in 2024?

Cannes Film Festival 2024 is always held in the city of Cannes, France. Located on the French Riviera, Cannes sits just west of Antibes. The main screening venue is the Auditorium Louis Lumière within Le Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, a quick 10-minute walk from the train station. Multiple trains serve the Cannes railway station each day, allowing you to get from Nice to Cannes in as quickly as a half-hour and for less than the price of a single movie ticket.

Image Credit: Getty Images, Nikolay Tsuguliev

Is Cannes Film Festival invite-only?

Generally speaking, yes, the Cannes Film Festival is invite-only. It’s closed to the general public, with only those associated with the film or holding specific accreditation within the film industry allowed to attend the festival. There are two accreditations you could possibly snag: one through Cannes Cinéphiles that grants limited accessibility to film enthusiasts and the 3 days in Cannes program that gives access to film buffs aged 18 to 28.

Who will attend Cannes Film Festival 2024?

When the official selections for the Cannes Film Festival 2024 are made in mid-April, you can expect to see their stars, directors, and guests walking the famous red carpet in May. 

How much are Cannes tickets?

Prices for tickets to the Cannes Film Festival are pretty steep, ranging from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars—and you don’t even get a commemorative popcorn bucket! Actually, we have no idea what does or doesn’t come with a Cannes ticket, because only those with accreditation can purchase one. However, you can still enjoy the famous film festival by attending free nightly film screenings in the open-air Cinéma de la Plage.

Image Credit: Getty Images, Barry Winiker. Image Location: Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, Cannes, France

What to do in Cannes during the Cannes Film Festival 2024

Coming to the Cannes Film Festival 2024 without a ticket? You can still have an experience worthy of a film treatment by:

  • Attending the nightly screenings at the Cinéma de la Plage.
  • Finding the extravagant city murals dedicated to cinematography.
  • Going to the movies the usual way at Olympia or Les Arcades Cannes.
  • Writing your own unforgettable script with a journey around the French Riviera.

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Header Image Credit: Getty Images, mbbirdy. Image Location: Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, Cannes, France