Cannes Film Festival Opens

The official promotional poster for the 63rd Cannes Film Festival, featuring French actress Juliette Binoche by photographer Brigitte Lacombe

The 63rd Cannes Film Festival -- the world's leading movie festival -- opens today on the French Riviera.

The event opens with British-born director Ridley Scott's new take on the Robin Hood legend, starring Russell Crowe as the English folk hero who took from the rich to give to the poor.

A total of 19 movies from 15 countries will be competing for the prestigious Palme D'Or (Golden Palm) award for best picture.

One of the most topical films at the festival -- to be shown out of competition, like "Robin Hood" -- is U.S. director Oliven Stone's "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps," about corporate greed.

compiled from agency reports