The second day of the Cannes Film Festival provided the opening to one of the most anticipated films of the competition.

Mike Leigh's "Mr. Turner" opened the second day of the competition and scored rave reviews. The film tells the story of British painter J.M.W. Turner's life. Critics raved about the subtly of the movie and of the impeccable performance by Timothy Spall. The movie currently has a 100 percent aggregate score on Rotten Tomatoes and critics are already stating it is one of the best films of the year. "Mr. Turner" represents the fifth film that Leigh has presented at the festival. He won the Palme D'Or in 1996 for "Secrets and Lies" and the Best Director Award in 1993 for "Naked." He last presented a movie in 2010 when he directed "Another Year." With "Mr. Turner's" rave reviews the movie could be considered an automatic front-runner for the top prize at the festival. Sony Picture Classics, which is releasing the film in December, is likely to also make a huge Oscar campaign for the movie. It is important to note that Leigh's past three films have all garnered screenplay nominations at the Oscars and with the Cannes results; it is also likely that Leigh will return to awards season.

In the marketplace, a number of deals were made. The biggest deal was by Zeitgeist Pictures, which acquired the Israeli film "Zero Motivation." The dark comedy won the Tribeca Film Festival Grand Jury Prize as well as the Nora Ephron award. Zeitgeist has not mentioned when it will release the movie, but based on the company's slate, it is likely be seen at the end of the year or in 2015.   

Meanwhile Film Movement took U.S. rights to "Stations of the Cross." The movie, about a 14-year-old girl on a mission to become close to God, premiered at the Berlin Film Festival where it won the Silver Bear and Ecumenical Jury Award. The company is not planning a U.S. release until next year and is preparing a theatrical, VOD and digital release.

Meanwhile the highly anticipated "Nina" screened for buyers. The film, starring Zoe Saldana, tells the story of the late jazz musician and classical pianist Nina Simone. The film was directed by Cynthia Mort but is currently in a lawsuit because the director alleged that the British Production Company hijacked her film. The film is currently being handled by Metro International and according to the Hollywood Reporter the screenings went well.   

The Hollywood Reporter reported the Naomi Watts is currently in talks to star alongside Matthew McConaughey in Gus Van Sant's upcoming film "Sea of Trees." The film currently has a $25 million budget, and McConaughey has been outspoken about his role, which is his first post-Oscar film. The movie is set to start production in summer, and Watts is said to be playing McConaughey's wife in the film.

Meanwhile Halle Berry has joined "Kidnap," which will be produced by Di Bonaventura Pictures. Luis Prieto, who directed the remake to "Pusher," will direct the movie. The movie is currently being shopped around by Lotus Entertainment, which hopes to get funding by the end of the festival.

The French director Michel Hazanavicius also announced his upcoming project. The director announced that he would be directing a new film called "Will" and would be starring Zach Galifianakis. The director announced it during an interview with Variety at Cannes where he is promoting his competition film "The Search."   

Jason Sudeikis and Alison Brie's new comedy also has had some good news as it obtained financing. Sidney Kimmel Entertainment will independently finance the romantic comedy, while IM Global is selling the international right to the movie entitled "Sleeping," which was first announced at the Toronto Film Festival.

Meanwhile Penelope Cruz presented "Ma Ma," which she produced. The film was directed by Julio Medem and is about a mother who overcomes tragedy.  

Nicolas Cage also announced that he would be starring in "Pay the Ghost" and that it would be directed by German director Uli Edel. Voltage Pictures is shopping the film. Once the female lead is cast, shooting is planned for late summer.