Photo Gallery Steps to Fame in Cannes
Gilles Jacob, 80, has been the face of the Cannes film festival for more than three decades. And he has made it into the pinnacle of the annual film calendar.
The town of Cannes on the south coast of France has plenty to offer besides film. "Each film must prevail against the possibilities Cannes has to offer, which isn't easy," says Jacob.
The famous steps leading up to the entrance of the Palais des Festivals. Every year, Gilles Jacob stands at the top and greets his guests. "The steps are a religious metaphor," Jacob says.
Gilles Jacob can make careers -- like he did with Sharon Stone. The festival opened with "Basic Instinct," propelling Stone, who had had little success until then, to stardom. She is still a welcome guest at Cannes, even though her acting career has languished in recent years.
Robert De Niro, while the president of the jury this year, has been to Cannes many times before -- like here in 2008.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie on the red carpet of Cannes in 2008.
Many of the stars, directors and jury members arrived to the French coastal town on Tuesday ahead of the festival's kick-off on Wednesday. Here, Gilles Jacob takes a picture of jury president Robert De Niro, and jury members Jude Law and Johnnie To.
Inside the Palais des Festivals as preparations for the start of the festival continued on Wednesday.
The Palme d'Or is the top prize for films in competition at Cannes. Winners of the award do not always go on to commercial success.
Jury president Robert De Niro arriving in Cannes on Wednesday.
American actress Uma Thurman is also a member of this year's jury. She too arrived on Wednesday.
A woman sits on the curb amid step ladders placed by fans ahead of the opening of the Cannes film festival on Wednesday. The step ladders are vital to get a better view of stars as they arrive.
A worker putting the finishing touches on a vast poster for the opening of the festival. The poster features a photo of Faye Dunaway.
