In this Oct. 10, 2016 file photo, Iranian director Asghar Farhadi poses for a photo during the premiere of his film, "The Salesman," in Paris. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, File)
PARIS (AP) --
The Cannes Film Festival is opening with a Spanish-language film — a psychological thriller starring Penelope Cruz — the first time since 2004 that the star-studded event is kicking off with a movie that's not in English or French.
Organizers announced Thursday that "Everybody Knows," by Iranian director Asghar Farhadi, will open the May 8-19 festival.
The film follows family intrigues and the moral dilemmas of a woman whose life is turned upside down when she leaves Argentina for Spain. In addition to Cruz, it stars Spanish actor Javier Bardem and Argentinian actor Ricardo Darin.
Farhadi won best foreign film Oscars for "A Separation" and "The Salesman."
Cate Blanchett is leading the jury of this year's festival, which comes as the industry is under upheaval over revelations of sexual misconduct.
Pepsi soft drinks in plastic bottles are on sale at a grocery store in New York on Weds., Nov. 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey, File)
PepsiCo confirmed Friday that it's ending some of its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, even as rival Coca-Cola voiced support for its own inclusion efforts.
In a memo sent to employees, PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta said the company will no longer set goals for minority representation in its managerial roles or supplier base. The company will also align its sponsorships to events and groups that promote business growth, he said.
Laguarta wrote that inclusion remains important to PepsiCo, whose brands include Gatorade, Lay's potato chips, Doritos, Mountain Dew as well as Pepsi. The Purchase, New York-based company's chief diversity officer will transition to a broader role focused on employee engagement, leadership development and ensuring an inclusive culture, he said.
Since President Donald Trump returned to the White House last month, U.S. government agencies, companies and schools have rushed to reevaluate policies and programs they adopted with the goal of reducing discrimination against members of minority groups, women and LGBTQ+ people.
Trump ended DEI programs within the federal government and has warned schools to end DEI programs or risk losing federal money.
PepsiCo's rollback came as Coca-Cola reaffirmed support for its DEI efforts.
In its annual report, Atlanta-based Coke warned that its business could be negatively affected if it is unable to attract employees that reflect its broad range of customers.
"Failure to maintain a corporate culture that fosters innovation, collaboration and inclusion โฆ could disrupt our operations and adversely affect our business and our future success," the company said.
Coca-Cola has set a goal of having women in 50% of its senior leadership roles by... Read More
