India, May 11 -- Each year, in May, the luxurious French Riviera becomes the heart of the movie industry as the Cannes Film Festival inaugurates its legendary red carpet event. Hollywood celebrities and world-renowned directors alike join the festivities with accolades and shocking revelations at hand, making Cannes not only a film festival but an extravagant affair of the highest magnitude.

For first-time followers, however, Cannes can feel overwhelming. What do terms like Palme d'Or, Competition, and Un Certain Regard actually mean? Why do certain films create instant Oscar buzz? And why does everyone care so much about an eight-minute standing ovation?

Here's a simple reader's guide to understanding the world's most famous film festi...