Le Festival de Cannes, founded in 1939, is one of the world's oldest, most influential and prestigious film festivals held at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, in the resort town of Cannes, in the south of France. The festival has not always had a smooth run.  War, economic issues, and leadership woes have tossed roadblocks onto the red carpet and caused a few cancelled years.  However, 2008 marks the 61st successful festival year.  The Palme d'Or, or golden palm, is the coveted trophy awarded at the festival for highest honors.  Additional awards include best actress, best actor, best director, best screenplay, jury prize, grand prize, and best short film.

Cannes, France was chosen for the home of the festival because of it's sunshine and stunning views.  This picturesque city located on French Riviera offers visitors great weather, many interesting tourist attractions, museums and some beautiful Mediterranean beaches.  By day, visit Phoenix Park, to find stunningly beautiful gardens that have been lovingly tended and are home to a large selection of plants and flowers, many of which are exotic in origin. Or choose a variety of water sports or relax on the beach bordering the exotic bay. By night, Cannes has night venues of every description and the city is a veritable hotbed of activity after the sun’s gone down. Casinos are a highly popular aspect of the city’s evening entertainment scene and are full seven days a week with addicts, hopefuls and those doing a little controlled dabbling in the gambling scene.  Nightclubs appealing to all tastes can be found in the city centre and bars stay open until early morning, while nightclubs can still be busy well into dawn.