These masters of ceremonies have left their mark on Cannes
At Cannes, every opening is a political act, an artistic promise, an exercise in live tightrope walking. If the competition selection is the talk of the town, the masters of ceremony can ignite – or cool – an entire festival.
Laurent Lafitte, between classic theater and false spontaneity
Laurent Lafitte, a member of the Comédie-Française, knows the stage like the back of his hand and the Cannes Film Festival like the back of his dressing room. In 2016, for his first ceremony, he collaborated with Vincent Dedienne on the writing and attempted a skilful blend of irony, feigned distance and perfect mastery of tone.
His style? A false spontaneity, mastered to the hilt, with a touch of hushed cruelty. In 2025, he’ll be making his comeback in this delicate role, while also playing a dual role: master of ceremonies and actor at the Quinzaine des Cinéastes in Antony Cordier’s Classe moyenne, alongside Laure Calamy and Élodie Bouchez.
Édouard Baer, the absurd as philosophy
Whether he officiated in 2008, 2009, 2018 or 2019, Édouard Baer remains the master of the fuzzy but profound monologue. His style? Offbeat, tender, with a love of words. He speaks to the technicians, to the invisible people of the festival, to the childhood of cinema. His now cult phrase: “Cannes is a sad carnival, a joyous celebration. It’s impossible not to be touched.
Monica Bellucci, sensuality in every language
In 2017, Monica Bellucci brings her bilingual grace to a subtly orchestrated ceremony. A blend of Italian, French and tender gestures, she infuses a sensual and political dimension, notably in her demure denunciation of the status of women in cinema. An evening of powerful femininity.
Cécile de France, naturalness in capital letters
In 2005, Cécile de France surprised everyone with her freshness. She embodies simplicity in a festival often saturated with artifice. Her direct, friendly tone with audience members and artists makes her one of the most popular presenters.
And the others…
Vincent Cassel in 2006, Lambert Wilson several times, Chiara Mastroianni in 2024: all have tried, sometimes succeeded, sometimes struggled to make us forget the weight of the event. For Cannes is no easy stage. Between global expectations and political tension, you have to know how to balance the two.
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