a tale of love and elegance
 

PostED on 13.10.2024

The actress, guest of honour at this year’s edition of Lumière, reflects on the importance of the artistic partnership between the House of Chanel and the festival.

Hello. What does being a guest of honour at the Lyon film festival mean to you?

It is a privilege and happiness that comes with being an actress. It also amazes me a little. You don't necessarily think about it when you're going about your everyday life, but when you're suddenly recognised, it's a kind of reward for the work you've accomplished. I feel very honoured. 

In what way is it important for Chanel to support the cinema in general and the festival in particular?

Quite simply because there are films I've been involved in that I couldn't have done without Chanel's support. When Chanel supports a project, it can inspire others to do the same. Chanel is a quite magnificent partner. If you go to a major festival, they're there, organising events, and that brings cinema to life in a myriad of ways. It is vital, at a time when we no longer see films in the same way. That's why the Lumière film festival is extremely important, especially for younger generations, to encourage them to discover heritage films on the big screen. That's how we nurture a passion for cinema.

Could you explain what difference it makes for a role when you are wearing something by Chanel?

As soon as you put on a Chanel garment, there's an immediate sensation of extreme elegance. It's perfectly cut and tailored. And what's really beautiful is that it's handmade by passionate people who have a savoir-faire that is unique in the world, which has been the case for decades. In Heartbreaker, I remember the way my Chanel dress caught the wind and embraced my movements – it was incomparable. It gave the character a lot of allure and a special energy. 

Does a Chanel icon linked to the 7^th art fascinate you?

Marilyn Monroe, who is a Chanel icon in her own way. She used to mention the brand in her interviews, saying in such a charming and sensual way that she slept with just two drops of Chanel N°5. In fact, there's a very famous photo of her holding a beautiful bottle of the perfume. And what greater icon of cinema and Chanel could you dream of than Marilyn Monroe? 

Interviewed by Aurélien Ferenczi