Cate stepped out with her co-star Gael. The Mexican heart-throb, who is dating Natalie Portman, previously worked with Babel director Inaki on the acclaimed drama Amores Perros
Photo: Getty Images

Aussie actress Cate Blanchett brought a touch of Eastern glamour to Cannes on Tuesday when she took to the red carpet in an elegant black and white, kimono-style gown. It was a fitting choice by the Oscar-winning actress, as the premiere of her new film Babel turned out to be a truly international affair.

The movie is filmed in four different languages - English, Spanish, Japanese and Arabic – and award-winning director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu is hoping it will help foster understanding between different cultures. There was certainly no lack of warmth between members of the cosmopolitan cast, many of whom were wearing their national dress as they walked, hand-in-hand, up the red carpet to present their new flick. Young Moroccan actors Said Tarchani and Boubker Ait el Caid were both wearing traditional djellabas for the event, while Japanese star Rinko Kikuchi opted for a delicate lilac kimono.

Their A-list co-star Brad Pitt wasn't able to make it to the screening, but proved he's quite capable of becoming centre of attention even when thousands of miles away on another continent. With the Tinseltown press eagerly awaiting news of his first child, the actor sent a message from his hideaway in Namibia, where he is currently staying with girlfriend Angelina Jolie, to say their bundle of joy was about to make its big debut.

"With the imminent arrival of the newest addition to our family, I'm unable to join Alejandro, Cate and Gael Garcia Bernal and the rest of the crew in introducing our film," he said.

Brad's presence was obviously sorely missed by the rest of the team, particularly his onscreen wife, who was eager to heap praise on the hunky performer. "Working with Brad is like chocolate," enthused Cate. "He is glorious and wonderful and we have been wanting to work with one another for a long time."