Unique Opening Ceremony
International media agree that it was an opening ceremony unlike any other for the Olympic Games, orchestrated by the French in a grand celebration. The organizers’ idea to move the ceremony from the stadium to the city, specifically to the Seine River in Paris, was impressive. Despite the heavy rain, the event, which had a distinctly French flair, continued unabated.
Media Impressions
BBC: The ceremony had an impressive style and an ambitious concept, noting that the rain did not derail the organizers’ plans. Some moments were quirky, others frenzied, and some emotional, such as the closing performance by Céline Dion.
New York Times: Andrew Keh described it as a “masterpiece of history, surprise, kitsch, sports, art, and fashion,” highlighting the boat presentations of the teams and performances by Dion and Lady Gaga.
The Guardian: The ceremony aimed to deconstruct stereotypes about France while overcoming the challenge of the rain. The show was surreal and irreverent at times, with one writer calling it a poor ceremony that should have been held in a stadium, saved only by Dion’s performance.
Daily Mail: Criticized the ceremony as a “washed-out” show on the Seine with a naked Smurf and an upside-down flag. However, it was impressed by the flying cauldron with the flame and Dion’s powerful performance. The Sun also focused on the Franco-Canadian singer’s song.
The Times: Commented that the ambitious and creative ceremony had a dull start and lacked coherence, delivering less than promised. They noted that people waited four hours to see Céline Dion.
Washington Post: Described it as a daring feat that paid off for Paris, showcasing how bold thinking can restore the luster to a global event whose popularity has waned.
Sky News: Mentioned the rain-soaked but impressive ceremony, focusing on the organizers’ choice to highlight the reconstruction of Notre Dame.
CNN: Noted that the ceremony, which “didn’t look like any other,” would be remembered in the annals of the Games, albeit not as the organizers had hoped. It was described as “bizarre, beautiful in large parts, and overall memorable.”
