The presence of five African films in the official selection, including two in the running for the Palme d'Or, is the big surprise of the 2023 edition of the largest film festival in the world. Director general Thierry Frémaux also highlighted the comeback of Italy with three films, the double return of the German director Wim Wenders and sent a personal invitation to Martin Scorsese to enter the competition.
"There is a before and after Cannes," said Iris Knobloch, the Festival's new president.