The 74-year-old actor Meryl Streep was the recipient of the honorary Palme d'Or of the 77th edition of Cannes Film Festival.

The 10-day gala kicked-off with the presentation of Palme d'Or for Meryl Streep and unveiling of Greta Gerwig's jury.

The standing ovation and claps took time to settle following Juliette Binoche introducing Meryl Streep as she walked to the stage to receive the honours. Streep joked to the audience saying, "I'm just so grateful that you haven't gotten sick of my face." Gerwig too received an equally thunderous reception among the audience.

The festival opened with the French comedy The Second Act, starring Lea Seydoux, Vincent Lindon, Louis Garrel and Raphael Quenard. They play squabbling actors filming a movie directed by an artificial intelligence.

The 77th Cannes Film Festival will be held from May 14 to 25.