Hollywood A-listers, French film stars and world cinema auteurs are descending on the French Riviera for the Cannes Film Festival. Now in its 69th year, the festival is the most dazzling events in the entertainment calendar.

Stars including George Clooney, Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron, Julia Roberts and Gérard Depardieu are due to climb the famous red-carpeted steps outside the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, Cannes' main movie venue. Thousands of star-spotters will throng the boutique-lined Boulevard de la Croisette, one of Europe's glitziest seafront promenades. Looking out to sea, the super-yachts on display would no doubt get their fair share of attention as well.

In this gallery, IBTimes UK presents photographs of glamorous stars at the festival during the golden age of cinema.