Gosling’s absence a blow to Cannes Film Festival

 CANNES, France – The Cannes Film Festival is missing one of its biggest stars of this year’s festival: Ryan Gosling.

 The actor was unable to attend the premiere Wednesday of Nicolas Winding Refn’s “Only God Forgives.” Gosling stars in the Bangkok noir about a brother pressured by his mother to his avenge is his sibling’s murder.

 Cannes director Thierry Fremaux read a letter from Gosling apologizing for his absence. The actor is currently in Detroit shooting his directorial debut, “How to Catch a Monster.” His absence is a blow to the festival, which depends on stars to walk its red carpet and draw the world’s media attention to the annual French Riviera extravaganza.

Associated Press