As the star of the opening film at Cannes, Russell Crowe was well aware that much of the attention would be on him and his summer blockbuster, Robin Hood, on the first night of the festival. And as he prepared to step into the spotlight once again, the Aussie actor was keeping his wife of seven years, Danielle Spencer, close by his side.

Handsome Russell, 46, held hands with his spouse as he made his way down the red carpet for the world premiere of his latest venture. Dapper in a sharp back Giorgio Armani suit, the leading man was clearly delighted to be sharing the experience with Danielle, who shimmied in a white beaded Armani Prive halter neck.

It was a chance for the couple to enjoy time together – their two children Charlie, five, and three-year-old Tennyson are in Cannes with their mum and dad, but they did not attend the screening which undoubtably took place well after their bed time.

Another set of famous parents making the most of a glamorous evening out were Salma Hayek and her husband Francois-Henri Pinault, whose daughter Valentina was born in September 2007. They hit the red carpet arm-in-arm looking very happy together, with the Mexican beauty breathtaking in a silk georgette gown from Gucci - her billionaire husband's company.

But the most passionate couple on the red carpet was Helen Mirren and her director husband Taylor Hackford. The elegant actress, who looked incredible in a chic black Elie Saab number, couldn't resist going in for kisses with the handsome American as they attended the highly-anticipated screening.