Film stars arrive for the opening ceremony during the 76th edition of the Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday. AFP / Reuters

Depp's prominence on the festival's first day - he plays Louis XV in the opening night film, "Jeanne du Barry” — has been a hot topic in the leadup to the premiere.

From L to R: Carys Zeta Douglas, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones pose for photographers during the opening ceremony. AP

(Festival juror Brie Larson left it an open question on whether she would even watch the film, which is not in competition.) Depp received a warm welcome Tuesday night, smiling for cameras as fans nearby chanted "Johnny!”

Michael Douglas, Catherine Deneuve and Master of Ceremony Chiara Mastroianni on stage. Reuters

Helen Mirren provided a standout look at the premiere with her hair dyed blue and a fan with the phrase #WorthIt printed on it.

German actress Emilia Schuele arrives for the opening ceremony and the screening of the film "Jeanne du Barry." AFP

The night also belonged to Michael Douglas, who received an honorary Palme d'Or during the opening ceremony. Douglas attended the premiere with his wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones and their daughter, Carys, who kissed the actor on his cheeks at the top of the steps of the famed Palais des Festivals before the ceremony.

US actress Elle Fanning (R) laughs with British actress Helen Mirren (L) as they arrive for the opening ceremony. AFP

The festival's premieres double as moments of high fashion, with Elle Fanning, Uma Thurman and Fan Bingbing opted for looks with long, flowing trains.

Chinese actress Fan Bingbing arrives for the screening of the film 'Jeanne Du Barry.' AFP

The starry celebration, which will include the premieres of "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” and Martin Scorsese's latest film, continues through May 27.

Paola Turani poses for photographers upon arrival at the opening ceremony. AP

US actress Uma Thurman (L) and Levon Roan Thurman (R) arrive for the opening ceremony. AFP

Anais Demoustier poses for photographers at the photo call for the Camera d'or jury. AP

Belgian actress and member of the Un Certain Regard jury Emilie Dequenne smiles during the ceremony. AFP

Araya Hargate poses during the ceremony. Reuters

  Jury president Ruben Ostlund (C) poses with jury members Rungano Nyoni, Julia Ducournau, Brie Larson and Maryam Touzani at the photo call during the ceremony. AP

  Victoria Bonya poses for photographers upon arrival at the opening ceremony. AP

India influencer FArhana Bodi arrives for the opening ceremony and the screening of the film "Jeanne du Barry." AFP

Associated Press