Glitzy opening for Cannes Film Festival

The Cannes Film Festival got off to a blustery start on Wednesday, as Baz Luhmann's "The Great Gatsby" opened on a washed out French Riviera. Amid heavy rain, "Gatsby" star Leonardo DiCaprio (pictured) declared the 66th Cannes festival officially open. Over the coming 12 days, dozens of films will make their premiere on the silver screen.

Because of the drizzle, stars like Freida Pinto, who stars in "The Great Gatsby," welcomed assistance from umbrella carriers while arriving for the opening ceremony in Cannes.

Iconic US director Steven Spielberg (pictured right, next to French actress Audrey Tautou) is this year's jury president. The "Lincoln" director received a standing ovation at Wednesday night's opening ceremony and was serenaded with a performance of "Miss Celie's Blues" from his 1995 movie, "The Color Purple."

Bollywood star and grand jury member Vidya Balan (pictured left) says Cannes is "an opportunity to reach [Indian] cinema to a wider world" and showcase its coming of age over the past decade. The festival will feature premiere screenings of five Bollywood films as Cannes joins in celebrating Indian cinema's 100th birthday.

"Gatsby" director Baz Luhrmann of Australia and US actor Tobey Maguire were special guests of honor at the showing of their film.

In a mysterious floor-length gown by Burberry, Cara Delevingne was one of numerous models to strike a pose at the opening ceremony in Cannes.

More seasoned model Cindy Crawford also made a red carpet appearance. Like her younger colleague, she also sported a plunging neckline, in an all-white, floor-length gown by Roberto Cavalli.

Head of this year's jury, US director Steven Spielberg told the press he was happy for the opportunity to take a break from Hollywood for a few days.

The jury also dazzled not only with their prominence, but also with their style statements. While directors Ang Lee and Steven Spielberg appeared in classic tuxes, Nicole Kidman ignored this year's trend of one-color gowns, choosing instead a colorful floral look by Christian Dior.

The 10 member jury, headed by US film director Steven Spielberg, is responsible for selecting the Palme d'Or winner from the 20 films in the competition. Jury members include (L-R), directors Lynne Ramsay, Ang Lee, President Steven Spielberg, actress Nicole Kidman, actor and director Daniel Auteuil, actress Vidya Balan, actor Christoph Waltz, directors Naomi Kawase and Christian Mungiu.

Many argue that winning a coverted Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival is the only honor equivalent to the Oscar. Steven Spielberg praised the festival on opening night saying it is "a breath of fresh air" compared with the Oscars, which he likened to a political campaign. "There's always campaigning for the Oscar election, there's no campaigning here," the director added.