The 65th annual
Cannes Film Festival got underway Wednesday with a lavish red carpet ceremony at the Riviera resort.

Actress Eva Longoria arrives for the opening ceremony and screening of Moonrise Kingdom at the 65th international film festival, in Cannes, France, May 16, 2012.

Actress Jane Fonda, center right, embraces actor Alec Baldwin during the opening ceremony and screening of Moonrise Kingdom.

From left members of the jury Alexander Payne, Ewan McGregor, Diane Kruger, Hiam Abbass, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Andrea Arnold, Nanni Moretti, Raoul Peck, and Emmanuelle Devos at the opening ceremony at the 65th international film festival, in Cannes.

From left, actors Tilda Swinton, Bill Murray and Jason Schwartzman attend the opening ceremony.

Singer Beth Ditto, at front, performs as members of the jury watch at the opening ceremony.

From left, actors Jessica Chastain, Martin Short, Chris Rock, Ben Stiller and David Schwimmer pose for fans during a photo call for Madagascar 3, May 17, 2012.

From left, actors Menna Shalaby, Bassem Samra, Nahed El Sebai, and director Yousry Nasrallah pose during a photo call for After the Battle.

Actors Matthias Schoenaerts and Marion Cotillard arrive for a press conference for Rust and Bone.
The movie
Moonrise Kingdom kicked off the 12 days of screenings, deal making and parties.
The film, featuring American actors Bill Murray and Bruce Willis, is among 22 vying for the coveted Palme D 'Or prize.
Actress Eva Longoria was among the stars making up the annual gathering, which showcases dozens of films hoping to gain recognition.
Cannes also features staged pranks by some movies seeking to generate attention for their films.
The Cannes Film Festival wraps up on May 27.