FACTBOX-Cannes film festival celebrates 60 years

(Reuters) - The 60th edition of the Cannes Film Festival opens on Wednesday.

Following are some facts about the annual event, which is the world's largest film festival.

* Originally conceived in 1939 as an alternative to the then-Fascist-influenced Venice Film Festival, Cannes has been held annually since 1946 apart from 1948 and 1950, when it was cancelled because of lack of funds.

* In 1949 the stars started coming: Tyrone Power, Orson Welles, Norma Shearer, Errol Flynn and Edward G. Robinson all appeared that year. Brigitte Bardot made her first appearance in 1953.

* A year later, starlet Simone Silva dropped her bikini top beside Robert Mitchum in front of the photographers, resulting in the kind of racy coverage that secured the festival's reputation.

* In 1960, the first Cannes Market opened its doors to 10 participants and one screen -- a canvas hung from the roof of the old Palais Croisette. It quickly became a major meeting point for buyers and sellers from all over the world.

* Jane Campion became the first female director to win the Palme d'Or in 1993 for "The Piano".

* In 1997 a "Palme des Palmes" -- a super-version of the Palme d'Or best film prize -- was awarded to Ingmar Bergman for the 50th festival. The Swedish director did not appear.

* British films triumphed at the festival in 2006 with veteran Ken Loach's war-themed "The Wind That Shakes the Barley" winning the Palme d'Or and newcomer Andrea Arnold picking up the Jury Prize for "Red Road".