Speculation rife as Cannes countdown begins

With the Cannes Film Festival set to open in just over a month's time, speculation is swirling over which films - and which top actors - could be getting their moment under the French Riviera's sun.

Woody Allen is seen as more than likely to be walking the red carpet with his new flick, Irrational Man. Cate Blanchett might also be along for her movie Carol. And fellow Oscar-winner Matthew McConaughey could appear for The Sea of Trees, the latest film by director Gus Van Sant, which also stars Naomi Watts.

Cannes' organizers jealously guard their selections for the competition lineup and the out-of-competition program until a month before the film fest opens.