By Rebecca Whitlocke
A tale of opulence and grandeur that began in 1938, only to be reborn in 1946, the Cannes Film Festival has evolved into a paragon of global cultural significance, where cinematic brilliance meets the epitome of luxury.
Taking place from May 14-25, 2024, the 77th Cannes Film Festival unfolded as a saga of emotional tributes and jubilant celebrations—-the poignant tribute to Meryl Streep, marked by tearful eyes and joyous laughter, and the conferral of the honorary Palme d’Or upon the legendary George Lucas, unveiled the festival’s ability to stir the hearts of the world’s most revered talents in filmmaking.
The winners list for the 77th Cannes Film Festival included Sean Baker who took home the Palme d’Or for Anora, Payal Kapadia who claimed the Grand Prix for All We Imagine as Light, and Miguel Gomes who received the Best Director Award for Grand Tour.
Cannes Film Festival: The Best Red Carpet Fashion & Parties
With all eyes on the French Riviera in May due to the Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix, it’s only natural that fashion designers and haute joaillerie brands command attention on the grandest stage imaginable. Each year, the festival’s red carpet, photo calls and parties transform into runways and set the stage for a display of sartorial opulence and artistic expression.
Rebecca Whitlocke on behalf of Relentless Magazine was on the ground at Cannes catching the head-turning attire and everything in between: the timeless allure of Emma Stone in a custom Louis Vuitton gown, the classic look of Lily Gladstone in Armani Privé, the ethereal presence of Anya Taylor-Joy in Dior, Demi Moore making a statement in Schiaparelli Haute Couture, and Malta-based fashion designer Gabrielle Fenech creating unforgettable couture moments dressing world-class publicist Tracy Lamourie.
The festival’s social events, a quintessential part of Cannes, brought together industry professionals, cast and guests for exclusive parties at Croisette restaurants, hotels and other venues, adding a touch of prestige and revelry to the festival’s ambiance.
La Petite Maison hosted the Megalopolis party at Palm Beach in collaboration with Chanel and director Francis Ford Coppola, music goliaths Sony partied at Hôtel Martinez, Monopole Cannes Fashion for Film and the Raindance/Magnificent Films parties took over luxury villas and the Marché joined together industry professionals for Producers Network Cocktails.
Amid the festival’s opulent galas and intimate gatherings, Lucia Cannes, the beachfront venture from the Nikki Beach Hospitality Group, was the place for star-spotting. Parties rocking the cheerful beach venue included ‘The Apprentice’ evening and the Welcome to Cannes soirée by Variety, in partnership with The Gotham Film & Media Institute, awarding Ron Howard with the Profile in Excellence accolade, a tribute to his contributions to the world of cinema.
On May 22, Jemma Russo, Nayades The Label and Sanz Couture presented their fashion collections at the Villa Forbes. The amfAR gala welcomed an A-list crowd to the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on May 23, while the Better World Fund gala at the Carlton Cannes saw noble families and consulate dignitaries on the guest list including Dong Guangli (General Consulate of China in Marseille), Eliza Reid (First Lady of Iceland) and Princess Li Ran Ran (of the Belgian House of Ligne).
The Campari Cinémathèque event was another Relentless Magazine highlight, structured as a series of takes with immersive activations designed to be a real-life movie experience. In Take 7, master bartenders from four of the world’s most esteemed bars crafted mixology moments at Hyde Beach. The participating bars—Donovan from London, Salmon Guru from Madrid, Camparino in Galleria from Milan and Bar Nouveau in Paris—presented a selection of iconic Campari cocktails to the guests, featuring the timeless Negroni, the refreshing Campari Spritz, and the classic Negroni Sbagliato. Additionally, the Camparino team delighted guests with the Red Carpet – Cannes Edition, a tasty and salty cocktail inspired by the allure of the French Riviera.
As the red carpet was rolled away, the Cannes Film Festival proved it was an event where the world’s most distinguished figures in cinema, fashion, and luxury converge, offering an experience that is anything but ordinary.
Photo credits: Antibes Yachting, Lamourie Media
