The First 48 Hours at the Cannes Film Festival, from One of its Leading Hotels

"On Monday, a day before the 79th annual Cannes Film Festival was set to begin, the storm clouds finally cleared and sun hit La Croisette, the palm-studded waterfront of this southern French town. Along this boardwalk, which can, at certain times of the year feel more like a runway, a string of grande dame hotels stand at attention. I, along with the biggest names of the silver screen, had flown in for the festival, which runs for two weeks each May, and had my own type of front-row seat. Not to the screenings but to the behind-the-scenes action unfold at the Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel, a Croisette standout for its sophistication, and now, a hub of activity as the town readies itself for its biggest event of the year."

"The hotel is where the very first Cannes Film Festival was held, and each year since, the Cannes Carlton has transformed from hotel to supporting cast member, ensuring A-Listers and entourages keep schedule-and don't miss their cars to the red carpet. Here are the first 48 hours of the Cannes Film Festival, as seen from one of its star hotels. Monday: Before the Swarm Preparations were visibly underway as I arrived at the glamorous entrance to Carlton Cannes. Window cleaners were working their way across the Belle Époque stonework, squeegees catching the afternoon sun. Inside the lobby were fresh flowers, champagne trolleys heading upstairs, and bellhops ferrying suitcases with ease."

"There are no regular guests at the Carlton during the festival. Everyone has some connection to the industry: bankers from JP Morgan beside A-list talent, assistants at the check-in counter while their principals were escorted directly to their suites. Anthony Boyle of " House of Guinness " and Harry Collett of "House of the Dragon." The A-listers don't queue; they arrive booked under pseudonyms or studi"

Storm clouds cleared over La Croisette as the 79th Cannes Film Festival approached, with the Carlton Cannes preparing for the influx of industry figures. The hotel, originally the site of the first Cannes Film Festival, functions as a supporting cast member each year, helping A-listers and entourages keep schedules and reach red-carpet events. During the festival, there are no regular hotel guests; arrivals are tied to the entertainment industry, including bankers, talent, and assistants. Preparations include window cleaning, fresh flowers, champagne service, and bellhops moving luggage. Guests are often escorted directly to suites, and A-listers avoid queues by booking under pseudonyms.

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