Cate Blanchett’s accomplishments at this year’s Cannes Film Festival obviously transcend the incredible jewelry she’s been wearing (which we’ll get to in a minute).
Yesterday, the celebrated actress led a red carpet protest with 82 industry women on the steps of the Palais des Festivals—with the aim of pressing for greater gender equality in the film industry. The number was significant: There have been only 82 films from female filmmakers (including mixed-gender directing teams) selected to compete at Cannes in 71 years, compared to 1,866 films directed by men.
“Women are not a minority in the world, yet the current state of the industry says otherwise,” Blanchett said yesterday, reading from a prepared statement. “We stand together on these steps today as a symbol of our determination to change and progress. The stairs of our industry must be accessible to all. Let’s climb.”
Blanchett’s talent, intelligence, and sheer gutsiness made her the ideal celebrity to spearhead this stand.
And it’s those same qualities—coupled with the actress’ unrivaled glamour—that would ostensibly vault her to the top of any brand’s wish list of potential celebrity partners.
Blanchett’s only signed one major ambassadorship deal over the years: She’s been the face of Japanese skin care brand SK-II since 2005. But this week, the Australian actress did a lot to remind us why iconic jewelry atelier Chopard is so deeply venerated.
Photographs of the actress on the red carpet, wearing stunning earrings from the brand’s Haute Joaillerie collection, have pinged around the world via the internet in recent days. The actress, who’s dressed by super-stylist Elizabeth Stewart, looked even more resplendent than usual—and that’s saying something, because Blanchett always comes off as impeccably poised and ethereally gorgeous.
Cate Blanchett in Chopard Haute Joallerie Orchid earrings featuring opals and 4,800 tsavorites set on a stalk just a few millimeters thick (image via: @marygreenwell)
Chopard is a key sponsor for the annual film fest and has been every year since 1998. So the brand has lent pieces to countless high-profile celebrities at the festival over the years. But Blanchett’s savvy leadership, and her powerful stand for equality, set her apart from the many similarly lovely starlets who’ve worn the brand in the past.
The partnership between Cannes and Chopard blossomed in 1997, when Caroline Scheufele, Chopard’s co-president and artistic director, redesigned the Palme d’Or, the highest prize awarded at Cannes. Since 2007, Scheufele has created an Haute Joaillerie collection inspired by the celebrities at the event.
Blanchett’s high-wattage appearances in Chopard designs were likely part of the brand’s sponsorship terms (though we were unable to confirm this). After all, the actress is this year’s elected jury president and unofficial face of the festival.
Whatever the brand paid for the honor, it was worth every penny.
Top: Blanchett at the Cannes Film Festival in earrings from the Rihanna x Chopard collection (image via: @cate_blanchettofficial)
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