Cannes Film Festival president Iris Knobloch kicked off her mandate last year with a banner edition that saw the premieres of Oscar-winners “The Zone of Interest” and “Anatomy of a Fall." Ever since, Knobloch — who is the former boss of WarnerMedia France and Germany — has been discreetly collaborating with festival director Thierry Frémaux to lure U.S. studios and talent on the Croisette. And while the film business’ state of mind is rather gloomy, Cannes opened on a vibrant...
Greta
Gerwig
After following her semiautobiographical, Oscar-nominated breakthrough “Lady Bird” with an Oscar-winning take on 19th-century classic “Little Women,” Gerwig decided it was time to dominate the box office. Through much adored performances from Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, Gerwig’s “Barbie” for Mattel Films and Warner Bros. Earned $1.4 billion, making it the top-grossing film of the year and one that shattered multiple records, such as best debut and first $1 billion grosser ever for a female director, best live-action comedy ever and the best film that isn’t a sequel, remake or tied to superhero IP. Next, Gerwig is taking a directing stab at Netflix’s planned “The Chronicles of Narnia” film adaptations, based on C.S. Lewis’ beloved novel series and following the prior three films made by Walden Media for 20th Century Fox.
