CANNES, France (AFP) - The 68th Cannes Film Festival opened on Wednesday ahead of a star-studded gala premiere of its first feature, the gritty French drama Standing Tall.

French icon Catherine Deneuve, who stars in the film, appeared on the red carpet in a black and magenta evening gown, joined by fellow actresses including Naomi Watts, Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman.

Here's a look at scenes from the glitzy red carpet: