Spanish actress Penelope Cruz taught her French hosts a lesson in style when she arrived for the gala opening of the Cannes Film Festival. In a glamorous black off-the-shoulder crepe gown, she was the very picture of elegance. With her trademark tousled mane pulled back in a sophisticated chignon, and dramatic art-deco-style accessories, the transformation was complete.
Waiting photographers were sent into a frenzy when she arrived for the ceremony, and Penelope responded to the storm of flash bulbs by producing her own compact camera and taking some souvenir pictures of the 6,000-strong crowd.
The actress' latest film, Fanfan La Tulipe, was the first screening of the 12-day event. And its Madrid-born star demonstrated her language-skills by talking to journalists in Spanish, English and French.
The arrival of former 007 star Roger Moore, who recently collapsed while appearing onstage in New York, also provoked cheers. The fact that he had a pacemaker fitted just days ago couldn't stop the 75-year-old from making the journey across the Atlantic to join in the festival. Asked what advice doctors had given him, the iconic actor joked: "Just keep paying the electricity bill."
Another elder statesman of the movie world, Clint Eastwood, is likewise in town. Clint is considered a frontrunner for the event's main prize, the Palme d'Or, with his crime drama Mystic River which stars Sean Penn and Tim Robbins. The Oscar-winning filmmaker is also to be honoured with the Carosse d'Or gong in recognition of his contribution to cinema.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
