Angelina Jolie Shines at Cannes Film Festival: A Tribute to Emerging Talent

Oscar winner Angelina Jolie captivated the audience at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival with her heartfelt remarks while presenting the prestigious Trophée Chopard to talented rising stars Marie Colomb and Finn Bennett. During the magnificent dinner ceremony, Jolie shared her thoughts on the significance of international cinema in uncertain times—a powerful reminder of cinema’s role in fostering empathy and connection.

Embracing the Power of International Cinema

“I love international cinema,” Jolie expressed to a star-studded crowd that included Cannes jury president Juliette Binoche and her fellow jurors, such as Halle Berry and Quentin Tarantino. She emphasized the ability of films to transport audiences to different lands and situations, stating, “We are brought to other lands, into private moments, even on the battlefield, we connect and we empathize.”

Referencing the film My Father’s Shadow, which highlights the devastation of the 1993 Nigerian election crisis, Jolie underscored the need to broaden access to international cinema. “Anything that is possible to make international cinema more accessible is necessary and welcome,” she said, passionately advocating for a global film community.

Despite the glamour of the festival, Jolie acknowledged the harsh realities many artists face worldwide. “We know that many artists around the world lack the freedom and security to tell their stories,” she remarked, paying tribute to those who have lost their lives, including Fatima Hassouna, Shaden Gardood, and Victoria Amelina. Her call for gratitude highlighted the risks many artists take to bring their stories to light, helping others to learn and evolve in the process.

The Trophée Chopard: A Celebration of Emerging Talent

The Trophée Chopard, now in its 25th year, is awarded to emerging actors and actresses each year, honoring those who demonstrate exceptional promise in their careers. This year’s recipients, Marie Colomb and Finn Bennett, follow a prestigious list of previous awardees, which includes notable names like Marion Cotillard and Florence Pugh. The award ceremony took place on the scenic Carlton Beach, co-hosted by Cannes Film Festival president Iris Knobloch and Chopard’s Caroline Scheufele.

So, what does it mean to have Angelina Jolie as your mentor? Finn Bennett shared his excitement, commenting, “She really cares about fostering young actors. I feel really honored, really lucky to be here.” He expressed a desire to learn from Jolie’s remarkable ability to maintain composure amidst the chaos of the festival.

A Humble Yet Glamorous Event

Marie Colomb also reflected on her experience, noting Jolie’s down-to-earth nature as they ascended the iconic red carpet. “She’s gorgeous, she’s super beautiful,” recalled Colomb, who found it surreal to meet Jolie face-to-face. “But when I met her, I met a normal, nice human being,” she added, depicting the juxtaposition of celebrity allure and genuine kindness.

Jolie reciprocated the praise, highlighting the bravery and commitment of Colomb and Bennett in their craft. “They make very brave choices… They seem like very gracious young people who are very professional,” she noted, hinting at a bright future for the rising stars.

In a piece of personal insight, Jolie shared the best advice her own godmother, Jacqueline Bissett, gave her: “Learn French and do French films.” This guidance reflects Jolie’s own diverse career and her passion for cross-cultural cinema.

A Night to Remember

The Trophée Chopard ceremony not only celebrated emerging talent but also served as a poignant reminder of the impact of cinema in fostering a sense of community and understanding. As Jolie and the other attendees navigated the night’s festivities, it became clear that their shared love for storytelling binds them in an industry often overshadowed by chaos and conflict.

As the Cannes Film Festival continues this year, it remains a vital platform for promoting international voices and celebrating talent worldwide. The Trophée Chopard is more than just an award; it is a beacon of hope for those who understand the transformative power of cinema in today’s world.

For more insights on the Cannes Film Festival and its impact on cinema, check out our article on the importance of international film festivals and explore celebratory tributes like the Trophée Chopard to emerging talent in the film industry.