ALL the Cannes film, party and red carpet gossip

Want the insider track on films, parties and red carpet style in Cannes? Look no further

A life-size Transformer outside a luxury hotel in the south of France? It must be the Cannes Film Festival - where thousands of filmmakers, journalists and A-List stars congregate every year to drink, party and plug their latest film. Last night’s opening night gala screening heralded a break in tradition for the festival that normally prefers depressing fare from art house directors. Cuddly animation Up is not only a Disney film, but it’s also in 3D. Zut alors!

Tilda Swinton and Elizabeth Banks were the first stars of the season to grace the famous red-carpeted steps of the Grand Theatre Lumiere. Then it was off to Antibes for a party hosted by luxury jewellery brand Chopard at one of the festival’s favourite venues: the magnificent Hotel du Cap.

French actress Emma de Caunes, daughter of Eurotrash presenter Antoine (remember him?), played a DJ set of 80s hits, while guests tucked into the Moet & Chandon Rose and foie gras and sea bass canapés. Meanwhile, waiters circulated with old-school cigarette trays. We are in France, after all.

Spanish actress Elsa Pataky, who’s dating Darjeeling Limited star Adrien Brody, was resplendent in a floor-length sequinned Elie Saab dress. She told marieclaire.co.uk she’s been filming in the UK with Rhys Ifans on Howard Marks biopic, Mr Nice. ‘I play his first wife,’ she revealed, ‘but they were very young when they got married so it doesn’t last.’ How did she find working with the legendary caner? ‘I love Rhys,’ she grinned. ‘He’s hilarious and so much fun to work with.’

Look out Adrien…

Report by Rosamund Witcher in Cannes