Cannes '08: The 'Barcelona' mystery deepens -- Where in the world are Scarlett and Javier?

Elizabeth Snead has turned over some perplexing inconsistencies related to the "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" no-shows of Scarlett Johansson and Javier Bardem for the film's premiere and news conferences here in Cannes.

One report claimed that Scarlett was behaving like a diva and ankled the Woody Allen film premiere when her demands weren't met.

But Elizabeth has some interesting new information regarding Scarlett's last minute no-show that might make more sense.

See Elizabeth's Is Scarlett Johansson a demanding diva? You decide.

More than a few reporters, including this one, will tell you that Javier Bardem's absence from the "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" news conference was one of the bigger disappointments of the festival. Making matters worse was Penelope Cruz's bold assertion that "Javier is the greatest actor the world has." Rub it in, lady.

-- Sheigh Crabtree

Photo: Weinstein Co.