On Tuesday, Lebanese director and first Arab president of Cannes Film Festival's Un Certain Regard jury for this year Nadine Labaki walked the red carpet at the opening in a "night-blue cape-sleeve tulle Dior gown."
Strolling down the red carpet, the ever-elegant star posed for the cameras and did a few press interviews.
In March, Labaki was announced as the president of Cannes' Un Certain Regard jury, in a history-making milestone.
This came after her latest feature Capharnaüm, took the world by storm following its release in September 2018, rendering her one of the region's top film auteurs.
Labaki has always had a special connection with the Cannes Film Festival.
Her first feature-length film, Caramel, was written and developed at the festival's Cinéfondation Residency and premiered at the festival in 2007. Her next two films, Where Do We Go Now? and Capharnaüm, also premiered at Cannes.
After she was announced as the head of a jury at this year's edition, the director expressed her joy at being selected, saying:
"I can't wait to see the films in the Selection. I can't wait to debate and discuss, to be shaken up, to find inspiration in other artists' work," she said.
The Un Certain Regard screenings started on Wednesday May 15 and its winners are set to be announced on Friday May 24. Labaki is currently attending screenings related to her role as head of jury.
The section is run parallel to the Palme d'Or competition at Cannes and was introduced in 1978. Every year, it features 20 films that are deemed worthy of recognition by select jury members.
Labaki's Capharnaüm is her most critically acclaimed feature to date
The film tells the story of a child who struggles to survive and sues his family "for giving him life in the first place." He was not registered at birth, as his parents could not afford the fees required to do so. He exists, but not on paper. He has no I.D. card - meaning he is unable to get a passport, attend school, or get medical assistance.
The Lebanese feature screened worldwide including the U.S., UK, and France and made top box office after being released in China.
Following its release last year, Capharnaüm received international acclamation, earning a 15-minute standing ovation at Cannes Film Festival.
Labaki's masterpiece was nominated for a BAFTA (British Academy Film Awards), an Academy Award, and a Golden Globe in the Film in Foreign Language category. It also won awards at different film festivals around the world including the Stockholm International Film Festival, the Melbourne International Film Festival, and the Qatari Ajyal Film Festival.
During its award season run, Capharnaüm caught the attention of global celebrities including American media mogul Oprah Winfrey, who tweeted out her appreciation of the film and praised Labaki's work. The TV host also invited the Lebanese director and her husband, musical composer and producer Khaled Mouzanar, over for lunch.
Winfrey isn't the only international celebrity to have expressed her love for Labaki's film. Several others including Glenn Close, Jonathan Pryce, and Josh Brolin have also praised it. British rock band Coldplay also casually recommended the film to their fans on Twitter.
