By George, that’s some good wine! Clooney pulls animated expressions as he enjoy a glass of bubbly during lunch with wife Amal and pals in Cannes

They are among the famous names who have flocked to France for Cannes Film Festival.

And George Clooney appeared to be loving his trip already as he was spotted enjoying a glass of bubbly with his wife Amal and pals at Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes on Wednesday.

The Hollywood actor was in great spirits as he held an animated conversation with his companions while Amal sat and watched on.

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George was seen throwing his head back with laughter and making expressive hand gestures during his conversation.

He sported a pale jacket and a peach shirt while his beautiful wife opted for a plunging red top and a striped skirt.

Coming hot on the heels of his previous cinema release, the Cohen brothers' Hail, Caesar!, George's next picture Money Monster is scheduled for a May 27 release.

See George Clooney updates as he has lunch with wife Amal in Cannes

Directed by Jodi Foster, the thriller sees the heartthrob star alongside Julia Roberts and Jack O'Connell.

George plays the lead role of financial TV host Lee Gates who is considered a Wall Street expert and gives viewers tips on his show Money Monster.

However, when one viewer loses money based on Gates' advice he storms the studio and takes the host hostage.

In contrast to the heavy subject matter of the new film, George recently starred alongside Roberts and Gwen Stefani in an edition of James Corden's Carpool karaoke with the quartet performing a hilarious rendition of Gwen's hit Hollaback Girl.

Meanwhile, there were plenty of other stars in the French Riviera town on Wednesday as the 69th Cannes Film Festival kicked off in style.

Australian director George Miller will lead the eight-member jury to preside over this year's competition.

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

The film festival kicks off with Woody Allen's new movie Café Society, starring Twilight's Kristen Stewart.

The American actress has already been dubbed 'Queen of Cannes' with a second film, Personal Shopper, also in competition and will be screened on May 17.

Other celebrities expected in the south of France include Julia Roberts, who will feature in a film at the festival for the first time, Money Monster, in which she stars with George Clooney.