Kirsten Dunst looks pretty in pink as she dresses in a glamorous poppy emblazoned gown and hits the red carpet alongside her fellow festival judges for the Cannes opening night gala premiere

She's been honoured with the task of judging the talent at this year's Cannes Film Festival.

And Kirsten Dunst, 34, took to the red carpet for the first time at the high-profile event on Wednesday for the premiere of Woody Allen's Café Society along with her fellow jurors - directors Arnaud Desplechin, Laszlo Nemes, George Miller, actresses Vanessa Paradis and Valeria Golino, actors Donald Sutherland and Mads Mikkelsen, and film producer Katayoon Shahabi.

The Fargo actress was at her glamorous best in an elegant Gucci dress adorned with large poppy detailing and tied at the waist in a bow with some delicate black fabric.

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She made her way to the event from the five-star Hotel Martinez and appeared to in fine spirits ahead of one of the biggest nights in the film world's calendar. 

Posing on the crimson runway in front of the world's media, Kirsten looked beautiful with a full face of make-up expertly applied to ensure she was at her very best.

Smoky eyeshadow and subtle contouring to enhance the definition in her cheeks worked perfectly together for a super-glamorous finish, while her blonde locks were styled in an effortless updo.

Stood for the most part with her arms by her side, Kirsten took the opportunity between poses to elegantly twirl her arms in her lightweight gown.

See Cannes Film Festival 2016 red carpet updates as Kirsten Dunst looks pretty in a pink gown

Vanessa Paradis, 43, was all smiles as she arrived in an artistic white lace dress with pale pink and yellow undertones. The ex of Johnny Depp wore her blonde locks in loose waves from a middle-parting.

Her dark eye make-up and bold red lipstick provided quite the contrast with the light tones in her gown, and when the star smiled she displayed the distinctive gap in her teeth.

The entire nine-person judging panel assembled side by side on the red carpet for photographs with Kirsten positioned first on left while Vanessa was two places to her right.

The inside of the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès had been decorated in a suitably grandiose fashion for the occasion, with the judges taking their seats on an extravagant cream settee atop the stage.

Kirsten's bold ensemble stood out even more so against the black and gold backdrop, and she couldn't stop smiling during the opening of the world famous festival.

Earlier in the day, Kirsten was the epitome of classic French glamour as she joined Vanessa at a photocall.

Clad in a summery yellow dress, the 34-year-old actress was a vision of beauty as she posed for snaps ahead of the iconic movie screening week.

Cinched in at her tiny waist with a gold belt, the Fargo star looked effortlessly glamorous in the chic gown which fell just below the knee. 

With a collared neckline exposing a flash of decolletage, Kirsten exuded elegance and style whilst remaining demure. 

Adding some height to her petite frame and tying in the gold and yellow colour scheme, she donned a pair of metallic wedges with a curved heel which featured delicate straps across the ankle and toe.

Allowing her dress to remain the focal point of her ensemble, she opted to wear no jewellery, and kept her hands inside the gown's cleverly concealed pockets. 

Wearing her honey coloured locks swept into a side parting, she framed her pretty face with a side fringe, whilst her glossy tresses rested on her shoulders. 

Tying together all the elements of her ensemble, she injected another splash of colour with a slick of crimson lipstick across her plump pout, whilst her sparkling blue eyes were framed with a sweep of mascara. 

Meanwhile, Vanessa also oozed glamour on the day, slipping her lithe frame into a patterned taupe dress. 

Falling just below the knee, the star - who has two children with ex-partner Johnny Depp - flashed a hint of her tanned and toned pins which were elongated by a pair of nude sandals. 

Adding to the sophistication of her ensemble, she wore a silver tasseled pendant on a long train that traced the curves of her lean physique. 

The photocall officially kicked off the anunual festival and Australian director George Miller will lead the eight-member jury to preside over this year's competition. 

Alongside Kirsten and Vanessa, the jury consists of Arnaud Desplechin, Valeria Golino, Mads Mikkelsen, László Nemes, Katayoon Shahabi and Donald Sutherland.

The first film to be screened will be Woody Allen's new movie Café Society, starring Twilight's Kristen Stewart, and will see the judges preside over 55 features in the official selection and 30 more in umbrella programmes until the festival concludes on May 22.