The Great Gatsby to open Cannes Film Festival

The lavish remake of The Great Gatsby, starring Leonardo DiCaprio in the title role, will kick off the Cannes Film Festival.

Organizers announced the opening night selection on Tuesday, noting that they will screen a 3D version of the sumptuous Baz Luhrmann drama.

As part of the announcement, the Australian filmmaker emphasized the original story's French connection.

Iconic American author F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote "some of the most poignant and beautiful passages of his extraordinary novel" during time he spent at a French Riviera villa a short distance from Cannes, noted Luhrmann, known for films such as Moulin Rouge and Strictly Ballroom.

The anticipated adaptation of the Roaring Twenties tale also stars Carey Mulligan as Daisy Buchanan and Tobey Maguire as Nick Carraway.

Along with the film's director and main cast, famous faces set to grace La Croisette for the opening gala include Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan and American rapper Jay-Z, organizers said.

The opening night selection continues an American thread running through this year's event, after celebrated U.S. director Steven Spielberg was namedhead of the main Cannes Film Festival jury, which will chose the winner of its coveted Palme d'Or honour.

The Cannes film Festival runs May 15-26.