Oklou and Theodora Cover The Beatles’ “Get Back” at Cannes Opening Ceremony with Peter Jackson Watching

Cannes officially opened today, and the festival’s opening ceremony came with a very specific kind of moment: Peter Jackson, fresh off receiving the Honorary Palme d’Or, sitting at the side of the stage while Oklou and Theodora covered the Beatles’ “Get Back.” Jackson, a famously devoted Beatles fan, was even caught awkwardly singing along as the song that inspired the title of his huge 2021 documentary played out in front of him.

Oklou hardly needs much introduction at this point. The French artist’s 2025 album Choke Enough was one of the best records released last year, and this year she’s serving on the Cannes International Critics’ Week jury. Theodora may still be less familiar to some listeners, but the French-Congolese artist has already been flagged by global pop watchers as someone to keep an eye on. Put the two together, add guitars, and “Get Back” turns into something spare but still faintly electronic, which is a neat little Cannes twist.

What makes the clip work is the tension around it. Oklou’s cool deadpan gives the performance a quiet charge, while the ’70s-style light show adds just enough theatrical haze. Meanwhile, the shots of Jackson and host Eye Haïdara watching from the side of the stage are distracting in the best possible way. It all feels slightly surreal, slightly glamorous, and very much of Cannes. Watch it below.