The influence of Europe's three major film festivals has been gradually fading, but they're still the pinnacle of global cinema. Plenty of people get a little overwhelmed when accepting their awards.
Stars from Hollywood, though? They're a different breed. To them, European films are just a niche circle.
Nicole Kidman smiled as she accepted the trophy, gesturing politely for Natalie to speak first. By age, she was the senior.
Natalie didn't hold back. She flashed a bright smile, hiding any trace of the subtle rivalry they'd had moments ago. Setting the trophy on the table, she looked out at the audience, her presence suddenly commanding.
"The Cannes Film Festival is a banner for cinema, a banner for art. It shouldn't just belong to Europe—it should belong to every filmmaker around the world who loves movies and chases artistic expression. It selects outstanding films from across the globe with fairness and an artistic eye. That's the pride of art, and it's what makes us filmmakers proud."
"I'm so honored to have had the chance to act in this film, to work with an incredible director like Sam Mendes, and to share the screen with someone as amazing as Nicole Kidman. Oh my gosh, her performance was just phenomenal! And of course, I've got to thank the film's investor and producer, Mr. Dunn Walker."
Natalie paused for a moment, and a ripple of soft laughter spread through the room.
The crowd was clearly intrigued by the dynamic between this celebrity couple.
"Honestly, I worked my butt off to land this role. In the end, I had to threaten a breakup just to get the part." She ran her fingers over the trophy, savoring the moment. "Looking back now, all that effort? Totally worth it!"
"Haha!"
The hall erupted in hearty laughter.
Only an American could pull off such a goofy joke in a setting like this, slipping some lighthearted charm into a serious moment.
Down in the audience, Dunn clapped enthusiastically, his eyes on Natalie full of admiration.
She really was something special, wasn't she?
After a brief pause, Natalie dialed back her smile. "I want to thank the Cannes Film Festival for giving filmmakers worldwide a stage to shine. Thanks to the jury for recognizing me, and to my family, my fans, and my boyfriend for all their support. Without you, there'd be no Natalie today. Thank you!"
With a slight bow, she picked up the trophy and gave Nicole Kidman a playful wink.
Nicole's speech flowed effortlessly—she had way more experience with awards, having graced stages like the Golden Globes.
…
Once the Best Actress award was handed out, the presenters and winners left the stage.
Next up were the three biggest prizes of this Cannes Film Festival: Best Director, the Grand Prix, and the Palme d'Or!
This year's Cannes was shaping up to be a paradise for Asian cinema.
After a Japanese film won the FIPRESCI Prize in the main competition, Tony Leung took home Best Actor, and the Grand Prix went to another standout, the spotlight turned to Edward Yang, the renowned director from Taiwan. With his film, he claimed Best Director at the 53rd Academy Awards in a blaze of glory!
The Grand Prix then went smoothly to a Danish film.
Amid the warm applause, there was a buzz of surprise and speculation among the guests.
Up until that point, that Danish film had been the top contender for the Palme d'Or!
Sure, other films like *this* and *that* had earned praise too, but based on Cannes' usual tastes, it had been the clear favorite.
Cannes, run by the French Film Association, tends to zero in on sharp social issues—films with critique, questions, and unresolved conflicts. It loves those "unsolvable" dilemmas.
Other movies, by comparison, didn't pack the same raw, piercing punch.
By tradition, the Palme d'Or and the Grand Prix don't go to the same film.
Now that the Danish film was out of the running, which movie would take home the Palme d'Or?
Up on stage, the jury president, famed French director Luc Besson, stepped forward alongside French icon Sophie Marceau.
Dunn's attention instantly snapped to Sophie Marceau—she was stunning.
In a bold red, low-cut gown that showed off her figure, she had a face like a lotus flower and a willow-like grace. Her captivating eyes sparkled with a charm more enchanting than peach blossoms. Her snow-white skin glowed under the dazzling lights, like she'd been carved from jade.
The room fell silent—whether from the gravity of the Palme d'Or announcement or Sophie Marceau's breathtaking beauty, who could say?
"You're into older women like her?" Natalie muttered, pinching Dunn with a playful glare.
Dunn coughed lightly. "She's only in her thirties—not that old, right?"
He kept his voice low, not wanting Nicole to overhear. Natalie's jab could easily be taken as a dig at her too.
"She's basically my mom's age!"
"Oh, come on, that's a stretch," Dunn said, half-laughing, half-cringing.
Natalie huffed. "Whatever. Your taste is weird."
Dunn didn't argue further. After a moment's thought, he leaned in cautiously. "Hey, babe… can I get a pass tonight?"
"A pass?" Natalie blinked, then caught on, gritting her teeth. "You're seriously into her?"
Dunn grinned shamelessly. "Just wanna see what happens."
"Gross!"
"So… yes or no?"
"What if I say no?" She shot him a sideways look.
Dunn straightened up, serious now. "If you say no, I'll stick with you, obviously. A hundred Sophie Marceaus don't compare to you—I'd never want to upset you."
"Upset?" Natalie scoffed. "Some thirty-something woman isn't worth getting mad over."
"So that's a yes?" Dunn's eyes lit up.
She waved a hand, exasperated. "Fine. I could use a break anyway—you've been wearing me out lately."
Dunn beamed, grabbing her hand. "I knew it! My Nat's the coolest—total billionaire's wife vibes!"
"Ugh, lame."
Natalie rolled her eyes hard.
…
Luc Besson stepped up to the mic with a solemn air. He glanced at it, adjusted it up, then down again after a quick look at Sophie Marceau standing beside him.
Was it intentional or just a spur-of-the-moment thing? Either way, it left a good impression on the guests.
With calm confidence, Luc opened the envelope, nodded to Sophie with a smile, and announced, "The winner of this year's Cannes Film Festival Palme d'Or is…"
Sophie leaned in, glanced at the name, and flicked her eyes toward Dunn with a quick, flirty wink before beaming, "[*film name*]!"
Boom—the room exploded!
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