Cannes Cannes Cannes
Thursday, May 19, 2016 at 11:04AM
With this many filmmakers, photographers and journalists in one place, interesting moments are bound to happen and be reported on. Here’s Murtada with a few after the jump...
Captain Fantastic carried its Sundance buzz to Cannes and was warmly received. Viggo Mortensen and the group of young actors who play his children made their moment indelible by casually flipping the bird at both the photo call and the premiere. We assume that’s a callback to something in the movie. Whatever it is, they seem to be having fun while giving us a cheeky photo op.
Kleber Mendonça Filho, the Brazilian director of Aquarius, and his crew meanwhile chose to protest the political situation in their country when facing the photographers. The team held signs decrying the recent impeachment of Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff while standing at the top of the iconic red steps. Reportedly the audience inside the theater erupted in support, and some even unfurled their own banners and signs. It's heartening to see political protest still alive and well. The film itself was very well received and earned its star, Sonia Braga, best actress buzz.
Much has been made last year about the festival’s policy requiring women to wear heels to premieres. So it’s refreshing to see a new star doing exactly as she pleases when meeting the international press. Sasha Lane, the star of Andrea Arnold's American Honey, appeared shoe-less at the film’s photo call*. This is Lane's first film. She was discovered by Arnold and her casting director during spring break in Florida last year. And now a year later she's making waves at Cannes.
American Honey has divided critics, but those who loved it, really loved it. Lane emerged a definitive winner though. Even the presence of bonafide star Shia LaBeouf, reportedly giving a fantastic performance himself, did not steal her thunder. Critics are in love with Lane, calling her “riveting”and “stunning”. She has already booked her next film, a day after Honey premiered.
What is your favorite photo from this year's festival?
* P.S. She wasn't the only one. Julia Roberts famously removed her heels on the classic Cannes steps early in the festival.
Reader Comments (14)
Julia's dress is stunning. I can't remember her looking that good.
So glad to see fellow brazilians protesting against one of our worst recent political crisis, we have to fight against this coup which is hurting our democracy.
I hope Aquarius get as much recognition as they can, Neighbouring Sounds is one of my favorites of this decade.
Julia's exposing her bare feet obsession ... whatever. And when did flipping the bird become funny or encouraged for children to do?
@Sawyer - I agree, especially since she normally gets it so wrong.
Children "flipping the bird" has always been funny Jono. Encouraged? No but Funny? Definitely.
What happened in Brasil was NOT a coup. NOT by any means. People are entitled to their opinions and May disagree with what happened but it is NOT right to spread lies.
I believe Viggo has a full-frontal.
I believe some of the women may be going barefoot because of last year's ridiculous rule that barred women who weren't wearing heels on the red carpet. Kristen Stewart said she wore sneakers to protest that rule.
Yes, that is the reason, Suzane.
Amanda , i agree with you. What director Kleber Mendonça Filho and his crew did were ridiculous! Shame on you, Sonia Braga! You live in USA, and you don't care about people in Brazil.
Viggo and his cast are great. Now that is Cannes picture. Julia still looks good and has very nice feet.
I am also brazilian and I agree with Sonia Braga and Kleber. It is só sad see fellow brazilians trying to deny the right to an artist opinion. In Brazil many people that agree with the Impeachment are boycotting the movie and artists, even writting negative reviews before watching the movie.
I thought it was Hilary Swank from that high angle.
Well done Brazilian team, what's happening here is disgusting.
And well Done Viggo and all these kids!