How COVID-19 changed the movie industry

How COVID-19 changed the movie industry.

CANNES, France -- It was almost a strange sight; packed movie premieres and actors again walking the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival -- maskless- -- while throngs of photographers snapped away. With going to the movies put on hold for more than a year, and the festival canceled last year due to the pandemic, even some of the stars were struck by what felt like a return to normal. "I was a little overwhelmed last night, and I'm really glad that we're here this year. Because I think we'll all look back and remember launching out of COVID -- and what a way to do it," said actor Matt Damon, who teared up after the standing ovation he received at the premiere of his new film, "Stillwater." Beyond the glitz and glamour, the Cannes Film Festival is also home to the world's biggest movie market, the Marché du Film. Set up inside the Palais des Festivals, a convention center behind the main theater where premieres are held, the marché is where thousands of directors, producers, sales agents and distributors from around the world try to get their movies made, bought, sold or distributed.