Oscar-winner Ang Lee's entry for the 62nd Cannes festival's Palme d'Or award won a strong round of applause from hardened critics at a preview showing on Friday.

'Taking Woodstock' is one of 20 movies vying for the trophy to be awarded on 24 May at the close of the 12-day Cannes film bonanza. It gets its official premiere and world release on Saturday.

The film by the maker of 'Brokeback Mountain' is a hilariously funny and moving take on how a family running a rundown motel get involved with the promoters of the 1969 festival that was finally attended by half a million people.

Another favoured contender for the prize, Jane Campion's 'Bright Star' had its red-carpet premiere on Friday after a mixed response from critics.

AFP