From Left: Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, Melanie Thierry, Jodie Foster, Camelia Jordana, Candice Susan and Marion Cotillard pose for photographers at Cannes, France. Reuters / AP / AFP

Gulf Today Report

Excitement, glamour as the famous film festival reopens on Tuesday in the French city of Cannes, despite worries about the new virus variants, which are spreading fast across Europe.

Jury members pose for photographers. AP

The success of the film festival would be a boost for the city mayor after winning his re-election. The Cannes city mayor also earns outsized national attention for hosting the popular cinema elite in his city that he calls a "global village.”

The 2020 edition of the festival was cancelled due to the outbreak of coronavirus, however this year only the film stars will be allowed to go maskless on the red carpet.

According to the organisers, face masks are required at all the events, and those who want to attend must be fully vaccinated or tested every 48 hours.

Actress Jodie Foster poses for photographs. Reuters

US actor Adam Driver said that coronavirus is still there, but being here for the return of the festival ... it's a huge sense of excitement.

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Hollywood stars like Nicole Kidman, Matt Damon, Sean Penn and Timothee Chalamet are likely in front of the photographers over the next two weeks.

In 2021 edition, 24 movies will compete for the festival's top prize, the Palme d'Or.

Photographers and cameramen watch as workers install the red carpet in front of the main entrance of the Festival Palace. Reuters

People take a swim in front of the Carlton hotel ahead of the Cannes Film festival. AP

The jury members arrived on Monday and will give their traditional press conference on Tuesday afternoon, before embarking on their 24-film marathon.

Spike Lee (C) poses with Mati Diop during a photo call. AFP 

As evening falls, stars will strut down the recycled red carpet, which has been chopped in size as part of a green makeover.

Jodie Foster, American actor and director, is guest of honour at the opening ceremony of the Cannes Film Festival, and will be presented an honorary Palme d'Or before the screening of "Annette" gets underway.