CANNES FILM FESTIVAL

BELLA HADID ROCKS THE RIVIERA RED CARPET

Jodie Turner-Smith reigns as the stars return to the South of France

Stepping out onto the red carpet in front of a bank of photographers, Bella Hadid ensured all eyes were on her as she headed up a glamorous cast of leading ladies last week – as Hollywood celebrated the return of the Cannes Film Festival after a two-year break due to the pandemic.

The model made a dramatic appearance on the French Riviera in a white vintage Jean Paul Gaultier gown with a sheer black train, plus pear-shaped diamond earrings and rings from official partner Chopard.

There wasn’t a face mask in sight among the A-listers as they showcased a dazzling display of designer gowns and jewels. Former French First Lady Carla Bruni sparkled in a silvery-blue one-shouldered Celine dress, while Helen Mirren proved she still turns heads at 75 in yellow Dolce & Gabbana.

French actress Marion Cotillard, whose film Annette opened the festival, pulled out all the stops in shimmering Chanel,

Hollywood A-listers celebrate the return of cinema’s most spectacular showcase

while Jessica Chastain paired her black corseted Christian Dior Haute Couture gown with nearly 200 carats of Chopard rubies.

British star Jodie Turner-Smith stunned in a yellow ombre feathered Gucci gown, while Maggie Gyllenhaal brought oldstyle glamour in a Celine dress.

The American actress later said it was “great, but also kind of a shock” to be back in a cinema. “The premiere was like a trial by fire, especially the red-carpet stuff,” she said. “I haven’t done anything like that in so long.”

HONOURING TALENT

The festival, now in its 74th year, also saw Jodie Foster receive the prestigious Palme d’Or award for her achievements as an actress and director, and Oscar- winning director Spike Lee became the first black president of the Palme d’Or jury. It’s hoped the return of cinema’s most spectacular showcase will breathe new life into the industry. Covid-safety measures included masked screenings and testing every 48 hours, but it didn’t seem to faze the A-listers, who were thrilled to be back.

‘It was like a trial by fifire, especially the red carpet — it’s been so long’ Maggie Gyllenhaal

Helen Mirren looks bright and summery in yellow Dolce & Gabbana (above far left), while (above left) Carla Bruni stuns in silveryblue Celine with silver sandals and clutch

All eyes on Bella Hadid in her white vintage Jean Paul Gaultier column gown with sheer black halter and train, accessorised with diamond earrings and rings by Chopard

Marion Cotillard (left) arrives to see her new film Annette open the festival. Jodie Foster receives Cannes’s highest honour, the Palme d’Or (above). Palme d’Or jury president Spike Lee (below) with jury members Mylène Farmer, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Mélanie Laurent and Jessica Hausner

After Yang star Jodie Turner-Smith stuns in Gucci, while Jessica Chastain glitters in nearly 200 carats of Chopard rubies (top)