At an exclusive gathering brimming with celebrities such as pop sensation Charli XCX and Irish thespian Paul Mescal, on the fringes of the esteemed Cannes Film Festival on Sunday, Australian actress Nicole Kidman made a solemn vow to remain a steadfast advocate for gender parity in cinema. Hosted amidst the opulence of the Cannes Women in Motion dinner, an initiative launched by luxury conglomerate Kering in 2015, Kidman's presence added a touch of Oscar-winning glamor to the event.
"I am merely a voice, committed to pressing ahead with my 2017 pledge; this journey is far from over," declared the actress, whose portrayal of Virginia Woolf in "The Hours" garnered her an Academy Award in 2002. Kidman, who has collaborated with numerous leading male directors of her era, pledged in 2017 to film at least once every 18 months under the direction of a female filmmaker.
Earlier in the day, in the charming French Riviera town, Kidman revealed to journalists that in the span of eight years, she has worked with an impressive 27 female directors, including projects still in development. "It's about shielding and surrounding these women with a nearly impenetrable force field of support and encouragement," she emphasized.
Other luminaries gracing the dinner table included Dakota Johnson, Julianne Moore, and "The White Lotus" star Patrick Schwarzenegger. Director Guillermo del Toro was also among the esteemed guests. Brazilian director Marianna Brennand was honored with the initiative's emerging talent award, which comes with a grant of 50,000 euros ($55,920.00) to fund her next feature film.
"A glance at the statistics, unfortunately, reveals a stubborn stagnation," lamented French director Coralie Fargeat, whose Demi Moore-starrer horror flick "The Substance" enjoyed widespread acclaim after its Cannes premiere last year. "We must strive for transformative, not superficial, changes," she urged.
According to Women in Motion organizers, the percentage of women directors has increased only marginally, from 7.5% to 13.6%, among the top 100 box office films in the United States between 2015 and 2024. This year, seven out of the 22 films in competition were helmed by women, including an entry by Julia Ducournau, one of only three females to have ever clinched the prestigious Palme d'Or.
