There is nothing more fitting to celebrate the 77th Cannes Film Festival than an exclusive cocktail party in a beautiful setting that brings together a glittering mix of industry players, tastemakers and French cultural icons.

The soirée on May 16 was co-hosted by the Golden Globes and Robb Report and sponsored by Karaca, at the Penthouse suite of one of Cannes’ most iconic locations, the Carlton Hotel. The suite offers breathtaking panoramic views of the French Riviera city — and, with the event starting at the cinematic golden hour, it proved the perfect backdrop for this gathering.

The guest list included Hollywood heavyweights like execs from A24, Netflix and Searchlight, as well as international creatives; it was a great opportunity to network, to relax, or both. Like the film festival itself, the party had  representation from every part of the world.

Among those representing the U.K. was Joe Alwyn, who had just arrived in Cannes and made the party his first stop; he is here for the “Kinds of Kindness” premiere. American actor Billy Zane also came by and talked about the challenge of playing Marlon Brando in the upcoming “Waltzing With Brando.”

The French flair was strongly in evidence, with celebrities such as tennis champion Jeremy Chardy and model-actor Susan Chardy (née Gossage), as well as Arnaud Valois, who recently starred in Dan Levy’s film “Good Grief” and who is generating buzz for his portrayal of Yves Saint Laurent in the upcoming series “Becoming Karl Lagerfeld.”

The opulent interiors of the newly renovated Carlton Hotel and the exuberance of its gardens was able to mix an air of sophistication and warmth. Guests enjoyed delectable canapés (prepared by the hotel’s renowned chefs), coffee and a wide selection of beverages.

The Golden Globes and Robb Report’s soirée proved more than just a party – it was a microcosm of the Cannes Film Festival itself, a meeting point where creativity and commerce collide. Music and lively conversation filled the air while laughter and ideas flowed as freely as the champagne. As the 77th edition continues through 25 May, it’s possible the connections forged during this event could leave a lasting mark on the festival and beyond.