PARIS, April 23, 2009 (AFP) - Johnnie To's new thriller, a wartime saga by Quentin Tarantino and a trip to Woodstock with Ang Lee are competing for the top prize at this year's Cannes film festival, organisers said Thursday.

Asian and European heavyweights, from New Zealand's Jane Campion to Spain's Pedro Almodovar, dominate the list of 20 movies competing for the coveted Palme d'Or at the Riviera festival running from May 13 to May 24.

Tarantino is the sole US contender with his World War II saga "Inglourious Basterds" (sic), packing star power with lead roles for Brad Pitt and Diane Kruger.