NICOLE Kidman‘s “Dogville” and “Mystic River,” directed by Clint Eastwood, are among 20 films gunning for the top prize at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.

Two other American entries, Gus Van Sant‘s “Elephant” and Vincent Gallo‘s “The Brown Bunny,” join Eastwood’s crime drama in the official selection of films competing for the prestigious Palme D’Or announced yesterday.

Festival organizers denied rumors that U.S. artists planned to boycott the glitzy festival because of France’s staunch opposition to the war in Iraq.

This year, stargazers will abe treated to appearances by Meg Ryan, James Caan and Sean Penn, along with the entire cast of “The Matrix: Reloaded” – including Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss and Jada Pinkett Smith.

The 56th Cannes Film Festival, which runs from May 14 to 25, will honor legendary French actress Jeanne Moreau and the late Italian director Federico Fellini.