Huge Cheers for Bruce Willis, Bill Murray in Cannes Opening Night Film

Every film festival should be as star studded as the opening of the 65th Festival de Cannes. Bruce Willis led the charge with the all star cast of the opening night film, Wes Anderson‘s utterly charming “Moonrise Kingdom.” The group included Willis, Bill Murray, Edward Norton, Jason Schwartzman, Tilda Swinton, Bob Balaban and a group of very talented American kids who play campers in the movie.

The big red carpet in front of the Palais was buzzing because there were plenty more stars. Jane Fonda was a sensation in a tight fitting Marchesa gown. We saw Michel Hazanavicius and Berenice Bejo of “The Artist,” Alec Baldwin and James Toback, Chris Pine, Jessica Chastain, Freida Pinto, Eva Longoria. Jeffrey Katzenberg, and so on. The stars just kept on coming, as Thierry Fremaux and Gilles Jacob greeted their guests at the top of the very tall, broad staircase. Berenice Bejo, Oscar nominated for “The Artist,” served as mistress of ceremonies for the formal event preceeding the screening. Wearing a gorgeous bright red Louis Vuitton gown, she told me that right before she stepped onto the stage of the Palais she got a little nervous. :I thought, why am I doing this?” She laughed. It was her responsibility to introduce the jury– including Ewan McGregor and director AlexanderPayne. She also welcomed the musical guest, a hot group called Gossip that had trouble getting everyone’s attention.