Case in point: Clint Eastwood's Changeling is in competition, as are Steven Soderbergh's Che Guevara films. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull will screen -- outside of competition, natch. But there are dozens more films by relatively unknown (at least in the mainstream world of Hollywood movies) filmmakers. The Los Angeles Times has the full lineup.

Cannes has a fascinating history, from its start as an alternative to Venice to its inability to pick last years' big Oscar winner -- or, more aptly, its disagreement with the Academy.

One thing's for certain, though: Cannes can make an unknown film a success just by putting it on the selection list -- and especially by awarding it the Palme d'Or (Would you have even heard of 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days otherwise? Oh, right, many of you probably haven't heard of it.)

In other words, take heart, Palme d'Or losers: You might still win Oscars and make all sorts of money (especially if you're an Academy favorite whose last name is Eastwood). Just ask the Coen Brothers.