Tom Cruise and Jennifer Connelly arrive in style at the Top Gun: Maverick film premiere screening in Cannes

Leading man Tom Cruise and his co-star Jennifer Connelly dressed to impress on Wednesday as they arrived at the star-studded premiere of their film Top Gun: Maverick premiere at the Palais des Festivals during the 75th annual Cannes Film Festival.

The actor, 59, who reprised his famous role as LT Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell for the film, cut a dapper figure in a classic black tuxedo, while Jennifer, 51, who plays Penny Benjamin, looked simply flawless in a striking off-the-shoulder metallic gown.

The stars were in good company as a host of famous faces stepped out to celebrate their new film at the screening including a glamorous Eva Longoria and heavily pregnant Adriana Lima, who showcased her growing baby bump in a cut-out dress.

Stars of the show: Leading man Tom Cruise and his co-star Jennifer Connelly dressed to impress on Wednesday as they arrived at the star-studded premiere of their film Top Gun: Maverick premiere during the 75th annual Cannes Film Festival

Tom – who later received an honorary Palme d’Or award – beamed with joy as he greeted crowds at the event, with the Hollywood hunk teaming his smart black attire with a crisp white shirt, black bow tie and lace-up brogues.

Meanwhile, Jennifer stunned in her edgy silver gown which clung perfectly to her toned frame.

The beauty ensured her dress took centre stage as she opted to forgo fancy accessories, save for two rings, while her raven locks were swept back into a tight bun.

The duo looked in good spirits as they walked the red carpet and greeted fans and photographers who gathered to celebrate their latest offering.

Oh so glam! Jennifer, 51, who plays Penny Benjamin, looked simply flawless in a striking off-the-shoulder metallic gown

Fabulous: The stars were in good company as a host of famous faces stepped out to celebrate their new film at the screening including a glamorous Eva Longoria [L] and heavily pregnant Adriana Lima, who showcased her growing baby bump in a cut-out dress

Popular guy: Tom was mobbed by a horde of fans who begged for pictures and autographs

The whole gang is here! Tom was joined by a plethora of cast and creatives from the Top Gun: Maverick film

Dressed to impress: Tom beamed with joy as he greeted crowds at the event, with the Hollywood hunk teaming his smart black attire with a crisp white shirt, black bow tie and lace-up brogues

On eyes on Tom: The stars beamed beneath the glare of dozens of camera bulbs at the star-studded event

Walk this way: The Maverick star led the way on the red carpet as he and his co-stars arrived at the glitzy event

In the middle: Tom was very much at the centre of everything as he posed in front of a horde of waiting photographers

They were joined by co-stars including Miles Teller, who plays Bradley Bradshaw in the film, with the actor looking sharp in a white tuxedo.

While the likes of Greg Tarzan Davis, Christopher McQuarrie, Jon Hamm and Jay Ellis were all suited and booted for the evening.

The event turned into an extra special one as guests were treated to an impressive fighter-jet flyby, with the sky lit up with clouds of red, white and blue.

Meanwhile, later inside the screening, Tom looked touched as he was awarded an honorary Palme d’Or award, presented to him by the festival’s president Pierre Lescure.

What a woman: Meanwhile, Jennifer stunned in her edgy silver gown which clung perfectly to her toned frame

Wow: The beauty ensured her dress took centre stage as she opted to forgo fancy accessories, save for two rings, while her raven locks were swept back into a tight bun

Leading lady: Jennifer was every inch the Hollywood beauty as she glided across the red carpet in her silver gown

Helping hand: At one point, an assistant helped Jennifer with her dress while she played up to the cameras

Hey there: The duo looked in good spirits as they walked the red carpet and greeted fans and photographers who gathered to celebrate their latest offering

Lovely to be here: The duo looked delighted as they greeted the gathered crowds

The sequel to Tony Scott’s classic 1986 blockbuster Top Gun has been unanimously praised in early reviews with one even declaring that it ‘improves upon the original in every conceivable way.’

Tom, who is famous for doing his own stunts, is said to have trained to withstand g-force power and actually flew in real fighter jets for the sequel.

‘Whenever the film threatens to become too cosy, it shocks itself – and us – back into the present with another madly ambitious action sequence.’

Tom underwent a full Aviation Survival Training Curriculum before going up in the US Navy F-18, as did his co-stars. They worked up to the supersonic jets by going up in a succession of slower planes first over many months.

Looking good; They were joined by co-stars including Miles Teller, who plays Bradley Bradshaw in the film, with the actor looking sharp in a white tuxedo

What a trio: The actors looked great as they walked the red carpet together

All smiles: Tom and Jennifer were also joined by Jon Hamm on the red carpet

Group shot: Stars of the film were out in force for the premiere [L-R Greg Tarzan Davis, Tom, Christopher McQuarrie, Jennifer , Jon Hamm and Jay Ellis]

Much has been made of Tom’s insistence on real flying scenes, with no CGI work. He has said in numerous interviews that he refused to even talk about a Top Gun sequel unless they flew in real planes.

Tom said: ‘For years, people had said, ‘Can’t you shoot [the movie] with CGI?’ And I always said, ‘No. That’s not the experience.’ I said, ‘I need to find the right story. And we’re going to need the right team. This movie is like trying to hit a bullet with a bullet. I’m not playing.’

Earlier in the evening, Tom looked as handsome than ever as he attended the photocall for Top Gun: Maverick alongside Jennifer.

The movie star posed with Jennifer for photos, wearing a tailored navy blue suit over a white shirt, with the pair sharing a tender moment during the event as she adjusted his suit for the photos.

What a sight! The event turned into an extra special one as guests were treated to an impressive fighter-jet flyby, with the sky lit up with clouds of red, white and blue

Amazing: French Alpha Jets Patrouille de France fly over the premiere of the film Top Gun: Maverick

Thrilling: Everyone looked towards the sky as the fighter jets shot over the premiere in Cannes

Awesome! The film’s cast raised their heads in awe at the flyover

Loving life: Tom looked mightily impressed by the flyover as he pointed at the sky

His hair was artfully tousled and he carried a pair of aviator style sunglasses, similar to those he sports in the iconic film.

Jennifer looked stunning in a nude textured dress that was adorned in sequins and intricate beading.

Joining them were several of their Top Gun: Maverick co-stars, and the group posed together for a group shot.

Elsewhere at the dazzling premiere, a host of stars pulled out all the stops as they posed for cameras in their finest ensembles.

Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria, 47, put on a glittering display in a sparkling silver off-the-shoulder gown with a daring slit at the back as she graced the red carpet of the swanky event.

Here he is! Tom looked humbled as adoring fans cheered for him as he arrived for the screening of his latest film

In the spotlight: Tom was in his element as he worked the red carpet

Congratulations: Meanwhile, later inside the screening, Tom looked touched as he was awarded an honorary Palme d’Or award, presented to him by the festival’s president Pierre Lescure

Honour: Tom posed with his award alongside President of the Cannes Film Festival Pierre Lescure (L) and Cannes Film Festival director Thierry Fremaux

Emotional: The film star looked moved as he took to the stage at the screening amid his Palm d’or win

Overjoyed: Tom could barely conceal his pride as he took to the stage on Wednesday

Film star: Tom went up on stage after a 13-minute highlight reel of his biggest film hits were shown on screen

Impressive: The sequel to Tony Scott’s classic 1986 blockbuster Top Gun has been unanimously praised in early reviews with one even declaring that it ‘improves upon the original in every conceivable way’ (Tom Cruise pictured in character)

Eva pulled out all the stops for the evening as she slipped her figure into the disco ball-esque number which perfectly lung to her frame.

The actress boosted her height with a pair of towering silver platforms which were visible beneath the daring slit at the back of her dress.

Eva allowed her dress to do all the talking as she swept her chocolate locks into a high ponytail, while accentuating her gorgeous features with a glam make-up palette including a dramatic smoky eye.

Meanwhile, Adriana Lima, 40,displayed her blossoming baby bump in a chic black gown with cut out detail to the front to show off her stomach.

Debonair: Earlier in the evening, Tom looked as handsome than ever as he attended the photocall for Top Gun: Maverick alongside Jennifer

Dapper: The movie star posed alongside Jennifer for photos, wearing a tailored navy blue suit over a white shirt

Touching: At one point during the event, the A Beautiful Mind star tenderly fixed her co-star Tom’s collar for him

Need for speed: His hair was artfully tousled and he sported a pair of aviator style sunglasses, similar to those he sports in the iconic film

Cast: Joining them were several of their Top Gun: Maverick co-stars, and the group posed together for a group shot

Flying high: The film shows Tom’s character Maverick flying supersonic jets on a dangerous secret mission – at ‘Mach 2 with his hair on fire,’ as Cruise puts it

The model, who announced she was pregnant with her third child back in February, revealed her and her boyfriend Andre Lemmers were expecting a boy via Instagram last month.

The newest member of Lima’s family will be her third child. She shares daughters Valentina, 12, and 9-year-old Sienna with her ex-husband Marko Jarić.

Adriana was seen cosying up to Andre on the red carpet as he tenderly placed his hands on her baby bump.

The couple shared a kiss on the red carpet before they walked inside to take their seat for the screening.

After Cannes was entirely cancelled in 2020 and held under strict health protocols in 2021, the red carpet returned in all its glamour on Tuesday night for the Opening Ceremony.

The film chosen to open the festival was Final Cut, a comedy love letter to filmmaking and Z-list zombie movies from the team behind the award-winning The Artist.

Dazzling: Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria, 47, put on a glittering display in a sparkling silver off-the-shoulder gown with a daring slit at the back as she graced the red carpet of the swanky event

Flawless: Eva allowed her dress to do all the talking as she swept her chocolate locks into a high ponytail, while accentuating her gorgeous features with a glam make-up palette including a dramatic smoky eye

Garnering attention: The actress stepped out in yet another showstopping number and showed it off as she posed for photographs at Palais des Festivals

There is set to be an array of TikTok stars taking to the red carpet this year after organisers sought to refresh their image by partnering with the video streaming platform, which is sponsoring an award for short films.

In total, some 35,000 film professionals are expected to attend the festival between May 17 and 28, hoping for a return to form for cinema’s most glamorous event after two years when it was hampered by Covid-19 restrictions.

‘We are ready. The town hall has just redone everything – the whole place – so we hope it will go well,’ said Jeremie Tripet, manager of ‘L’Avenue’, a bistro just off the main drag known as La Croisette.

One major exception is the absence of Russians, due to the impact of sanctions over the war in Ukraine and a ruling from the organisers that state-linked delegates are not welcome. China is also expected to have a limited presence due to its continuing Covid restrictions.

Baby’s on the way: Adriana was glowing as she walked the red carpet, showing off her growing baby bump in the process

Happy couple: The model, who announced she was pregnant with her third child back in February, revealed her and her boyfriend Andre Lemmers were expecting a boy via Instagram last month

In love: Adriana was seen cosying up to Andre on the red carpet as he tenderly placed his hands on her baby bump

But otherwise the festival is keen to put the pandemic in the past, with no mandatory masks or health passes this year – and no restrictions to partying.

Film fans can get stuck into the usual feast of new releases and competition entries, braving the festival’s famously opinionated crowds, who are never shy about cheering and booing during screenings.

The two-week annual event will see hotly-anticipated films Top Gun: Maverick and King of Rock ‘N Roll’ biopic Elvis shown.

Strike a pose: Jasmine Tookes confidently posed at the event, with her dress being made of a material with a crimped texture

Dazzling: She bought a touch of sparkle to the red carpet with the silver sequins which swept down the top of the corset of her dress to one side and around the back

Glamour puss: The fashionista wore lashings of make-up to highlight her pretty facial features and opted for a pair of pendulum earrings to accessorise

Star power: Jasmine stood out from the crowd in her brightly coloured dress as she walked up the red carpet at the event

In style: Josephine Skriver’s garment was cinched in at the waist while its ruffles flared out to the side and back into the train which swept the floor behind her

Model behaviour: Josephine’s dress had the hint of a look of a traditional tuxedo with a white panel to the front

Famous friends: The models were seen walking up the stairs and into the building with Josephine’s flowing train of her dress following up behind her

Good spirits: The pair were seen laughing and chatting as they walked along the red carpet after posing for pictures

There’s a lot of excitement around the Elvis Presley biopic from Australia’s Baz Luhrmann, hoping to recreate the buzz he generated when he brought the can-can to Cannes with Moulin Rouge! 20 years ago.

Elvis, playing out of competition, sees newcomer Austin Butler stepping into The King’s blue suede shoes. Tom Hanks plays his infamous manager, Colonel Tom Parker.

There are 21 films in the race for the Palme d’Or, including the latest body-horror fable from David Cronenberg, Crimes of the Future, starring Lea Seydoux and Kristen Stewart.

Gorgeous: Elle Fanning, 24, stunned in a beautiful dusky pink fishtail gown as she made a glamorous arrival for the Top Gun: Maverick screening

A vision: The actress showcased her svelte physique in the form-fitting gown covered with sparkling sequins as she walked the star-studded red carpet

Stunning: Elle put on a jaw-dropping display in the beautiful pink gown with a fitted bodice covered with silver beaded detailing

Here she is! The Great star’s dress flowed into a fishtail tulle skirt, which followed the actress as she made her way along the red carpet

Stealing the show: Rochelle Humes was a glowing goddess in a sheer cut-out dress as she joined fellow Brits rocking up to the screening

Red carpet glamour: The singer-cum-television presenter, 33, slipped her figure into a sheer, cut-out dress, which featured a collection of embellishments around her collar, bust and abs

Striking a pose: The former Saturdays hitmaker opted for striking jewellery, namely an unmissable pair of silver dangly earrings

Figure flaunting: The glamorous number featured a train which kept her footwear hidden, although the transparency of the gown did show she added several inches to her height with heels

The Canadian director revealed it is likely to cause walkouts ‘within the first five minutes’.

There are only five women directors in the competition, hoping to follow the success of last year’s winner, Titane, which made Julia Ducournau only the second female to win the Palme.

Alongside all the glitz, festival director Thierry Fremaux said Cannes aimed to keep the war in Ukraine in the spotlight.

A right Royal turnout! Princess Diana’s nieces Lady Eliza (right) and Lady Amelia Spencer (left) put on a dazzling display as they took to the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival today

Ladies’ day: Lady Amelia was the picture of elegance in a black one-shoulder asymmetrical gown decorated with pleated chiffon with a flowing floor-length skirt

Siblings: Meanwhile, Eliza opted for a jaw-dropping black halterneck gown decorated with silver jewels featuring a thigh-high slit and cut-out detail

Fashion focus: Meanwhile, Hofit Golan, 36, wore an off-the-shoulder pastel blue sheer dress with feathered detail

Sheer beauty: The star wore lashings of make-up to highlight her pretty facial features and wore her blonde hair backoff her face

All eyes on her: Grace Elizabeth, 25, dazzled in a floor-sweeping gold gown for the evening, with the star glancing back over her shoulder as she posed

Shining bright: She was dripping in jewellery for the event and wore a pair of strappy gold heels to match her dress

‘Together we will have a great festival – we will think a lot about cinema without ever stopping thinking about Ukraine.’

The final film by Lithuanian director Mantas Kvedaravicius, who was killed by Russian forces in Ukraine last month, will get a special screening.

He was shooting a follow-up to his celebrated documentary Mariupolis, about the conflict in Ukraine’s Donbas region, when he was reportedly captured and killed.

The main competition also includes exiled Russian Kirill Serebrennikov, who was unable to attend for his two previous nominations due to a politically charged conviction for embezzlement back home.

Fremaux said the festival wanted to lend a hand to ‘the Russians who take risks to resist’ while offering ‘absolute and non-negotiable support to the Ukrainian people’.

The jury charged with selecting the winners this year includes Indian superstar Deepika Padukone and Iran’s two-time Oscar-winning director Asghar Farhadi, and is headed by French actor Vincent Lindon.

The world’s biggest film festival will conclude with the Closing Ceremony on May 28.

Stepping out: Elsewhere, Chanel Iman, 31, wore a bright white dress with a thigh-high split, with the model putting on a leggy display on the red carpet. She was joined by French model Didi Stone who wore a gold and black patterned dress

Supermodel behaviour: Russian model Sasha Luss, 29, looked glamorous in a sequinned see-through dress with her white underwear on show beneath

Arrival: Nina Dobrev was earlier seen looking as chic as ever as she arrived in Cannes for the festival

Chic: The Vampire Diaries star, 33, looked elegant in a dark navy jumpsuit which featured a ruffled trim on the top

Lovely: Nina looked the picture of style as se strutted down the cobbled street in her flared jumpsuit