** Kristen Stewart just turned heads at Cannes—not just for her striking Chanel outfit, but for stepping behind the camera with her directorial debut, *The Chronology of Water*. The film, based on Lidia Yuknavitch’s raw memoir, is already generating buzz. Meanwhile, Diane Kruger chats about *Amrum*, a gripping post-war drama from director Fatih Akin. Cannes is serving up bold storytelling and star power this year.

What This Mean: ** Stewart’s shift to directing signals a new chapter for the actor, and her choice of material—a visceral, feminist memoir—hints at her creative ambitions. Kruger’s project, meanwhile, adds weight to the festival’s lineup with its historical depth. For film lovers, Cannes remains the place where careers evolve and must-see stories emerge.

Cannes Film Festival barred a French actor accused of rape from a premiere, signaling a potential shift in its stance on the #MeToo movement, reflecting a broader, overdue reckoning with sexual abuse in the French film industry.

French rapper Werenoi, the best-selling artist in France in 2023 and 2024, has died unexpectedly at the age of 31, shocking fans and the music industry.

A Russian drone strike on a civilian evacuation bus in Ukraine's Sumy region killed nine people, occurring shortly after failed peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.

Romania is holding a pivotal presidential election, with a hard-right candidate winning 40% in the first round against a pro-Europe Bucharest mayor. The vote is seen as a geopolitical decision between aligning with Russia or the West, following past allegations of Russian interference.

Poland is holding the first round of its presidential election, with the outcome potentially shaping the country's democratic trajectory. A win for liberal candidate Rafal Trzaskowski could reverse years of authoritarian trends, while a victory for nationalist Karol Nawrocki would hinder Prime Minister Donald Tusk's reform agenda.

Israel has initiated a significant military operation in Gaza, aiming to pressure Hamas into releasing remaining hostages, following days of airstrikes that resulted in hundreds of casualties.

What This Mean: The escalation reflects ongoing tensions in the region, with Israel prioritizing hostage recovery while intensifying military action, likely exacerbating humanitarian concerns and prolonging the conflict. Broader implications include strained diplomatic efforts and regional instability.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2024 finale is set to dazzle with performances, including a possible surprise appearance by Celine Dion. Sweden's sauna-themed entry is a favorite, but Estonia, Albania, and host Switzerland are strong contenders.

World leaders from Europe and the Middle East urged Israel to halt its deadly military offensive in Gaza, which was launched to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.