In the spotlight was Director David Lynch who is the Chairman of the Jury for this year's film festival.

Wearing a black grain de poudre tuxedo, white cotton shirt and thin silk black tie designed by Hedi Slimane for Dior Homme during the opening ceremonies, the American Director quoted that "in the world of cinema, the awards at Cannes has the brightest luster."

In his speech, Mr. Lynch gave thanks to festival President Mr. Gilles Jacob, and festival managing director Veronique Cayla for making "the Cannes Film Festival the best in the world."

Created in 1946, the "Festival de Cannes," embodies the spirit of friendship and universal cooperation. Five and half decades after its inception, it continues to reveal and focus attention on works of quality, which in turn contribute to the overall progress and development of film making.

This year, 22 countries entered the competition which will be judged by 9 members of the Jury which include - Régis WARGNIER, Director; Claude MILLER, Director; Raoul RUIZ, Director; Sharon STONE, Actress; Christine HAKIM, Actress; Michelle YEOH, Actress; Bille AUGUST, Director; Walter SALLES, Director, and David Lynch as the Chairman.

Among the celebrities attending this year's event are Cameron Diaz, Catherine Deneuve, Leonardo Di Caprio, Charles Aznavour, Patricia Kaas, Jeremy Irons, Antonio Banderas, Laetitia Casta, Rosanna Arquette and Virginie Ledoyen.

But the headline is on Woody Allen who received the Palm of Palms Award.

Accepting the award, the Actor/Director/Film Producer said, "The two biggest myths about me are that I'm an intellectual, because I wear these glasses, and that I'm an artist because my films lose money. Those two myths have been prevalent for many years."

The quote gave the audience a hearty laugh and summed up Woody Allen's sense of humour which has captivated the movie-going public for years.

On Thursday, May 16, George Lucas is expected to be in Cannes for the showing of "Star Wars Episode II: The Attack of the Clones," which will be shown at the festival as the blockbuster movie hit the multiplexis in the U.S.

Expected to also arrive is Pierce Brosnan, the current James Bond 007 who will host the 40th anniversary celebration of Ian Fleming's fictional spy character.