Cannes 2026: Women are featured on the poster, but still sidelined at the festival

The Cannes Film Festival 2026 poster features a photograph by photojournalist Roland Neveu. FESTIVAL DE CANNES

The image is striking. Perched atop a convertible Ford Thunderbird, Susan Sarandon, in a white tank top, stares defiantly into the camera. Beside her, Geena Davis poses with a nonchalant attitude, dark sunglasses on, a revolver tucked into the back pocket of her jeans. Taken during the filming of Thelma et Louise ("Thelma & Louise"), the shot by photojournalist Roland Neveu was chosen as the poster for the 79th Cannes Film Festival, which will open on May 12.

This first female-driven and feminist road movie tells the tale of two outlaw friends on the run from the police after shooting a man who attempted to rape Thelma. Directed by Ridley Scott in 1991, it depicts patriarchal violence and sexist stereotypes in society. With this choice of p Black actress Eye Haïdara as master of ceremonies, the Festival aimed to send a strong signal.

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