Cannes cuts back on the bling too

CANNES: Sparkling wine instead of champagne, onion tart for foie gras: Cannes is preparing for a bling-free film festival next month as the movie industry sobers up in tune with the global downturn.

"We're experiencing an unprecedented world crisis and it's also affecting the Riviera and Cannes," said Michel Chevillon, head of the hotel association in the Mediterranean city, gearing up to host the 62nd edition of the festival.

Crisis or no crisis, the usual cast of A-list stars, hot directors and Hollywood studios are jetting in for the top international film showcase on May 13-24, the world's biggest media event after the Olympic Games.