Stars descend on Cannes

Stars have begun to descend on the town on Cannes in preparation for the 61st annual film festival that gets underway this week.

Among those making their way to the south of France are the megastar couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, who have been spending time with their children on their friend Paul Allen's yacht.

The couple have been able to take advantage of the Microsoft co-owner and billionaire's ample facilities while they await the start of the week-long festival on May 14th.

Also expected in Cannes soon is Madonna, who will be promoting her latest documentary film I Am Because We Are and Woody Allen, who is set to showcase his newest feature entitled Vicky Christina Barcelona.

Pitt and Jolie were among the actors strutting down the red carpet at last year's Cannes Film Festival, alongside veteran performer Jane Fonda, British star Jude Law and directorial innovator Quentin Tarantino.