This year’s Cannes took a stand for the women.
In the 71 editions of the film festival, which takes place annually in the south of France, only 82 women have been honored by the Official Selection.
In an attempt to draw attention to the issue, Thor: Ragnarok actress, Cate Blanchett, Belgian director, Agnes Varda, led a silent protest on the red carpet.
82 female figures, including Café Society actress Kristen Stewart, Marion Cotillard of Assassin’s Creed, Selma director Ava DuVernay and Spectre star Lea Seydoux, adorned the steps silently.
Blanchett — who is this year’s Grand Jury President — read a statement declaring, “We all face unique challenges but we stand on the steps today as a symbol of our determination and commitment to progress. We are writers, we are producers, we are directors, actresses, cinematographers, talent agents, editors, distributors and all of us are involved in the cinematic arts. 82 women, representing the number of female directors who have climbed these stairs since the first edition of the Cannes Film Festival since 1946. In the same period, 1,688 male directors have climbed these very stairs.”
We look forward to seeing all the women to follow.
