The Cannes Film Festival continued over the weekend and showcased some of the most anticipated films of the festival as well as acquisitions.

The biggest premiere of the weekend was "Carol" starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara. Not only did critics rave about the film, but Oscar buzz also began. It is the second widely lauded film of the festival; "Son of Saul" has already become the early front-runner to win the Palme D'Or.

"Louder than Bombs" by Joachim Triers also emerged as a tough competitor. While critics compared it to "Ordinary People," the movie was praised for intellectualism and for its unapologetic means of showcasing illness.  

The festival also had Gus Van Sant's latest "The Sea of Trees" booed. The movie, starring Matthew McConaughey and Ken Watanabe was received with poorly. While audiences were not as harsh, critics destroyed the film.

The competition also had two films open to mixed reception. Maiwenn's "Mon Roi" was given warm reception by most critics, but some criticized it for exploring the same themes as Maiwenn's previous films.

Meanwhile Nanni Moretti's "Mia Madre" was praised for being an intimate but ultimately unfulfilling. However, the film was greeted with enthusiasm by most critics.

Natalie Portman's film also premiered as a special screening. Her movie, "A Tale of Love and Darkness," obtained mixed reaction and scored negative reviews. The film was criticized for its lack of an identity. With such negative reviews, it will be difficult to obtain a distributor.

Pixar's latest "Inside Out" also premiered and scored the best reviews for a Pixar film in years. Critics were raving about the film's originality. With very few animated films coming out this summer, this is likely to be a huge hit.  

Market News

At the Market a number of new acquisitions were made. Among the highest profile acquisition was "Son of Saul." The competition film was acquired by Sony Pictures Classics. The distribution company took the Hungarian film after a huge bidding war. This bodes well for "Son of Saul," as Sony has released previous Cannes competition films that have went on to get nominated at the Oscars. Among these films include "Leviathan," "Wild Tales," "Amour," "Mr. Turner," "Another Year" "The White Ribbon," "A Prophet" and "The Class." This marked Sony Pictures Classics second acquisition of the festival. The company had acquired "Our Little Sister" earlier in the festival.

Focus Features made a historical acquisition as it obtained Tom Ford's latest film for $20 million. The movie, which is still in pre-production, will star Jake Gyllenhaal and Amy Adams.

Gasper Noe's "Love" was also acquired by Alchemy, and Miles Teller's latest film "Bleed for This" was taken by Open Road for $4 million.

Tim Blake Nelson's "Anesthesia," starring Kristen Stewart, was also acquired by IFC Films after having premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. The Weinsetin Company also announced that it had acquired "Three Generations," starring Naomi Watts and Susan Sarandon, for $6 million.

Lionsgate obtained another two films. The company acquired "By Way of Helena," starring Woody Harrelson, and "Hologram For the King," starring Tom Hanks. "Hologram For the King" was directed by Tom Tykwer and was acquired for $3 million. Lionsgate is on a role this year as it also took the rights for Michael Grandage's "Genius," and its specialty branch Roadside Attractions took Gus Van Sant's "The Sea of Trees."    

The Cannes Film Festival runs until May 24.