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AP PHOTOS: Highlights from Day 5 of the Cannes Film Festival

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AP PHOTOS: Highlights from Day 5 of the Cannes Film Festival
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AP PHOTOS: Highlights from Day 5 of the Cannes Film Festival

2025-05-18 00:51 Last Updated At:01:01

CANNES, France (AP) — Much of the cinema world has descended on the Cannes Film Festival as the French Riviera extravaganza holds its 78th edition.

This gallery features daily highlights from the Cannes Film Festival curated by Associated Press photo editors.

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Pedro Pascal poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Pedro Pascal poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Gao Yuanyuan poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Sons of the Neon Night' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Lewis Joly/Invision/AP)

Gao Yuanyuan poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Sons of the Neon Night' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Lewis Joly/Invision/AP)

Zoey Deutch poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Lewis Joly/Invision/AP)

Zoey Deutch poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Lewis Joly/Invision/AP)

Director Richard Linklater poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Director Richard Linklater poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Aubry Dullin, left, Zoey Deutch and Guillaume Marbeck pose for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Aubry Dullin, left, Zoey Deutch and Guillaume Marbeck pose for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Karen Wazen poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Karen Wazen poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Alexa Chung poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Lewis Joly/Invision/AP)

Alexa Chung poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Lewis Joly/Invision/AP)

Yseult poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Yseult poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Zhou Ye poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Zhou Ye poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Naomi Ackie poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Lewis Joly/Invision/AP)

Naomi Ackie poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Lewis Joly/Invision/AP)

Diamant Blazi poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Diamant Blazi poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Giuilia Salemi poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Giuilia Salemi poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Kylie Verzosa poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Lewis Joly/Invision/AP)

Kylie Verzosa poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Lewis Joly/Invision/AP)

Daniella Pick, left, and Quentin Tarantino pose for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Daniella Pick, left, and Quentin Tarantino pose for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Nadia Melliti, from left, director Hafsia Herzi and Park Ji-min pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'La Petite Derniere' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Lewis Joly/Invision/AP)

Nadia Melliti, from left, director Hafsia Herzi and Park Ji-min pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'La Petite Derniere' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Lewis Joly/Invision/AP)

Park Ji-min, from left, Nadia Melliti, director Hafsia Herzi and writer Fatima Daas pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'La Petite Derniere' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Park Ji-min, from left, Nadia Melliti, director Hafsia Herzi and writer Fatima Daas pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'La Petite Derniere' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Director Hafsia Herzi poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'La Petite Derniere' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Director Hafsia Herzi poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'La Petite Derniere' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Claes Bang poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'The Great Arch' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Claes Bang poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'The Great Arch' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Sidse Babett Knudsen poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'The Great Arch' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Sidse Babett Knudsen poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'The Great Arch' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Director Stephane Demoustier, from left, Sidse Babett Knudsen and Claes Bang pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'The Great Arch' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Director Stephane Demoustier, from left, Sidse Babett Knudsen and Claes Bang pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'The Great Arch' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Producer Archie Pearch, from left, Frank Dillane, director Harris Dickinson, Megan Northam and producer Scott O'Donnell pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Urchin' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Producer Archie Pearch, from left, Frank Dillane, director Harris Dickinson, Megan Northam and producer Scott O'Donnell pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Urchin' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Frank Dillane, left, and Harris Dickinson pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Urchin' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Frank Dillane, left, and Harris Dickinson pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Urchin' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Megan Northam poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Urchin' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Lewis Joly/Invision/AP)

Megan Northam poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Urchin' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Lewis Joly/Invision/AP)

Cinematographer Josee Deshaies, from left, producer Archie Pearch, Frank Dillane, director Harris Dickinson, Megan Northam and Scott O'Donnell pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Urchin' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Cinematographer Josee Deshaies, from left, producer Archie Pearch, Frank Dillane, director Harris Dickinson, Megan Northam and Scott O'Donnell pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Urchin' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Frank Dillane poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Urchin' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Frank Dillane poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Urchin' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Frank Dillane, left, and Harris Dickinson pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Urchin' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Frank Dillane, left, and Harris Dickinson pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Urchin' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Bono poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Bono: Stories of Surrender' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Bono poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Bono: Stories of Surrender' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Bono poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Bono: Stories of Surrender' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Bono poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Bono: Stories of Surrender' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Emma Stone poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Emma Stone poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Joaquin Phoenix, from left, director Ari Aster and Pedro Pascal pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Joaquin Phoenix, from left, director Ari Aster and Pedro Pascal pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Micheal Ward poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Micheal Ward poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Pedro Pascal, left, and Joaquin Phoenix pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Pedro Pascal, left, and Joaquin Phoenix pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Luke Grimes poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Luke Grimes poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Pedro Pascal poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Pedro Pascal poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Emma Stone poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Emma Stone poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Austin Butler poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Austin Butler poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Clifton Collins Jr. poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Clifton Collins Jr. poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Emma Stone poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Emma Stone poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

For more coverage of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, visit https://apnews.com/hub/cannes-film-festival.

Pedro Pascal poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Pedro Pascal poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Gao Yuanyuan poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Sons of the Neon Night' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Lewis Joly/Invision/AP)

Gao Yuanyuan poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Sons of the Neon Night' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Lewis Joly/Invision/AP)

Zoey Deutch poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Lewis Joly/Invision/AP)

Zoey Deutch poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Lewis Joly/Invision/AP)

Director Richard Linklater poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Director Richard Linklater poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Aubry Dullin, left, Zoey Deutch and Guillaume Marbeck pose for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Aubry Dullin, left, Zoey Deutch and Guillaume Marbeck pose for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Karen Wazen poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Karen Wazen poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Alexa Chung poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Lewis Joly/Invision/AP)

Alexa Chung poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Lewis Joly/Invision/AP)

Yseult poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Yseult poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Zhou Ye poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Zhou Ye poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Naomi Ackie poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Lewis Joly/Invision/AP)

Naomi Ackie poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Lewis Joly/Invision/AP)

Diamant Blazi poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Diamant Blazi poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Giuilia Salemi poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Giuilia Salemi poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Kylie Verzosa poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Lewis Joly/Invision/AP)

Kylie Verzosa poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Lewis Joly/Invision/AP)

Daniella Pick, left, and Quentin Tarantino pose for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Daniella Pick, left, and Quentin Tarantino pose for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Nouvelle Vague' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Nadia Melliti, from left, director Hafsia Herzi and Park Ji-min pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'La Petite Derniere' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Lewis Joly/Invision/AP)

Nadia Melliti, from left, director Hafsia Herzi and Park Ji-min pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'La Petite Derniere' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Lewis Joly/Invision/AP)

Park Ji-min, from left, Nadia Melliti, director Hafsia Herzi and writer Fatima Daas pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'La Petite Derniere' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Park Ji-min, from left, Nadia Melliti, director Hafsia Herzi and writer Fatima Daas pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'La Petite Derniere' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Director Hafsia Herzi poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'La Petite Derniere' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Director Hafsia Herzi poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'La Petite Derniere' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Claes Bang poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'The Great Arch' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Claes Bang poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'The Great Arch' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Sidse Babett Knudsen poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'The Great Arch' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Sidse Babett Knudsen poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'The Great Arch' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Director Stephane Demoustier, from left, Sidse Babett Knudsen and Claes Bang pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'The Great Arch' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Director Stephane Demoustier, from left, Sidse Babett Knudsen and Claes Bang pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'The Great Arch' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Producer Archie Pearch, from left, Frank Dillane, director Harris Dickinson, Megan Northam and producer Scott O'Donnell pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Urchin' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Producer Archie Pearch, from left, Frank Dillane, director Harris Dickinson, Megan Northam and producer Scott O'Donnell pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Urchin' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Frank Dillane, left, and Harris Dickinson pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Urchin' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Frank Dillane, left, and Harris Dickinson pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Urchin' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Megan Northam poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Urchin' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Lewis Joly/Invision/AP)

Megan Northam poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Urchin' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Lewis Joly/Invision/AP)

Cinematographer Josee Deshaies, from left, producer Archie Pearch, Frank Dillane, director Harris Dickinson, Megan Northam and Scott O'Donnell pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Urchin' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Cinematographer Josee Deshaies, from left, producer Archie Pearch, Frank Dillane, director Harris Dickinson, Megan Northam and Scott O'Donnell pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Urchin' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Frank Dillane poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Urchin' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Frank Dillane poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Urchin' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Frank Dillane, left, and Harris Dickinson pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Urchin' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Frank Dillane, left, and Harris Dickinson pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Urchin' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Bono poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Bono: Stories of Surrender' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Bono poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Bono: Stories of Surrender' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Bono poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Bono: Stories of Surrender' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Bono poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Bono: Stories of Surrender' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Emma Stone poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Emma Stone poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Joaquin Phoenix, from left, director Ari Aster and Pedro Pascal pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Joaquin Phoenix, from left, director Ari Aster and Pedro Pascal pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Micheal Ward poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Micheal Ward poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Pedro Pascal, left, and Joaquin Phoenix pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Pedro Pascal, left, and Joaquin Phoenix pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Luke Grimes poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Luke Grimes poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Pedro Pascal poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Pedro Pascal poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Emma Stone poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Emma Stone poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Austin Butler poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Austin Butler poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Clifton Collins Jr. poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Clifton Collins Jr. poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Emma Stone poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Emma Stone poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

BERLIN (AP) — The German government has sharply rejected accusations by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claiming that it has been sidelining patient autonomy, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The statements made by the US Secretary of Health are completely unfounded, factually incorrect, and must be rejected,” German Health Minister Nina Warken said in a statement late Saturday.

Kennedy said in a video post earlier on Saturday that he had sent the German minister a letter based on reports coming out of Germany that the government was “limiting people’s abilities to act on their own convictions when they face medical decisions.”

The American health secretary said that “I've learned that more than a thousand German physicians and thousands of their patients now face prosecution and punishment for issuing exemptions from wearing masks or getting COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic."

Warken rejected Kennedy’s claims, saying that “during the coronavirus pandemic, there was never any obligation on the medical profession to administer COVID-19 vaccinations. Anyone who did not want to offer vaccinations for medical, ethical, or personal reasons was not liable to prosecution, nor did they have to fear sanctions.”

Kennedy did not give provide specific examples or say which reports he was referring to but added that “in my letter, I explained that Germany is targeting physicians who put their patients first and punishing citizens for making their own medical choices.”

He concluded that "the German government is now violating the sacred patient physician relationship, replacing it is a dangerous system that makes physicians enforcers of state policies.”

Kennedy said that in his letter he made clear that “Germany has the opportunity and the responsibility to correct this trajectory, to restore medical autonomy, to end politically motivated prosecutions.”

Warken pointed out that there were no professional bans or fines for not getting vaccinated.

“Criminal prosecution was only pursued in cases of fraud and document forgery, such as the issuance of false vaccination certificates or fake mask certificates," the minister said.

She also clarified that in general in Germany “patients are also free to decide which therapy they wish to undergo.”

Former German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, who was in charge during the pandemic, also replied, addressing Kennedy directly on X saying that he “should take care of health problems in his own country. Short life expectancy, extreme costs, tens of thousands of drug deaths and murder victims."

“In Germany, doctors are not punished by the government for issuing false medical certificates. In our country, the courts are independent,” Lauterbach wrote.

While a majority of Germans were eager to get vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus during the pandemic, there were also protests by a small minority of vaccine skeptics in Germany which were sometimes supported by far-right movements.

FILE - Robert Kennedy Jr., center, President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the Health and Human Services Department, walks between meetings with senators on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)

FILE - Robert Kennedy Jr., center, President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the Health and Human Services Department, walks between meetings with senators on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)

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