Notes From Cannes

Welcome to the Cannes Film Festival, where stars collide as the latest and greatest films are screened for a week. There’s a lot to discuss this year, whether it be jaw-dropping red carpet looks, heartwarming moments, or films that will grace the industry for years to come. While we cannot be in the French Riviera this time, Based Istanbul has our eyes peeled on the best coming out of Cannes this week – we’ve been taking notes, and here are our favorites so far. 

Based’s Favorite Moments

Kering began their Women in Motion program in 2015, aiming to support women in the cinema, art, and music industries. This year, Michelle Yeoh was awarded the Women in Motion award, a heart-warming moment after Yeoh won the best actress Oscar for her role in Everything Everywhere All at Once. Yeoh was the first Asian woman to win the category, and the Women in Motion award by Kering is another testament to her devotion to making change in the industry.  

Lily Gladstone has been this year’s talk of the town. Rightly so, after her starring role in Killers of the Flower Moon, which recieved a 9-minute standing ovation this year. The film, which also stars Leonardo di Caprio and Robert De Niro, has largely been seen as this year’s most anticipated film. Lily Gladstone is showing everyone at Cannes the importance of Native American representation and is bringing this energy out into the world – she is currently filming the Hulu series Under the Bridge in Vancouver. 

Natalie Portman hosted this year’s annual Chopard Trophee, bestowing the Trophee, celebrating emerging rising star actors, onto I Wanna Dance With Somebody star Naomi Ackie and Good Luck to You, Leo Grande actor Daryl McCormack. Much of the festival jury was in the room to celebrate the occasion, among other big names, to hopefully promote the two rising stars to future opportunities. 

No list would be complete without mentioning the emotional standing ovation at the premier of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, an ovation that lasted well over 5 minutes. This is likely the last time the iconic Harrison Ford will play Indiana Jones, making the film’s release even more monumental. 

Based’s Favorite Films

Asteroid City (dir. Wes Anderson)

While the Wes Anderson aesthetic trend is blowing up on TikTok and Instagram, legendary producer and director Wes Anderson’s film Asteroid City is one of the stand-outs of this week. The film is set in 1955, telling the story of a group of parents and students from across America gathering in the desert town of Asteriod City. The cast includes Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, and Bryan Cranston. 

Banel & Adama (dir. Ramata-Toulaye Sy)

Banel & Adama, directed by Ramata-Toulaye Sy, emotionally conveys the complexities and tensions within love and tradition. A story of loving destiny between young adults Banel and Adama, Sy’s African diasporic voice comes through strongly in the film, making a needed mark on representation at Cannes. 

Monster (dir. Hirokazu Koree-eda)

Monster, directed by Japanese director Hirokazu Koree-eda, is a film about a mother’s journey to find the truth about her son and his school. Widely talked about this year, the film conveys a rare quality of everyday tenderness, creating a poetic visual experience that many see as both a deviation from, and strengthening of, Koree-eda’s core principles.  

Based’s Favorite Red Carpet Looks

Image Credits: Getty Images