In brief
On Saturday, May 24, 2025, a significant power outage struck the Cannes region, causing temporary disruptions as the prestigious film festival continues. Local authorities reported that approximately 160,000 homes were affected, but festival organizers quickly implemented backup power systems to maintain scheduled events, including the important closing ceremony slated for the evening. The cause of the outage remains under investigation.
French electrical grid operator RTE announced that the blackout began at 10 a.m. but worked around the clock to restore power. Though one theater saw a temporary halt in screenings, the festival press team confirmed that the majority of sessions were able to proceed without significant issues. Local news sources indicated that traffic lights in various neighborhoods were out, prompting state authorities to advise residents to exercise caution.The festival's top awards, including the coveted Palme d'Or, are set to be presented later on Saturday night, promising an exciting finish to the week-long event. Local businesses affected by the outage could experience delays, but the prompt response from festival organizers appears to have mitigated the impact on the celebration of cinema.Aurelien Breeden is a reporter for The Times in Paris, covering news from France.
