Cannes Film Festival: A glamorous celebration at Carlton Beach Club
The Cannes Film Festival is synonymous with glamour, and this year’s opening day was no exception. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the French Riviera, the Carlton Beach Club served as the perfect venue for a star-studded luncheon hosted by Vanity Fair and IHG Hotels & Resorts. This prestigious event marked the second consecutive year of their partnership, celebrating excellence in global film and hospitality.
A gathering of stars
The luncheon attracted a mix of industry heavyweights and emerging talents, creating an atmosphere charged with excitement. Among the notable attendees was three-time Emmy winner Julia Garner, who shared a table with rising star Erin Kellyman. Kellyman is poised to captivate audiences with her performance in Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut, Eleanor the Great, which is set to premiere at the festival next week.
Oscar nominee Naomie Harris also graced the event, fresh from the acclaim surrounding Steven Soderbergh’s Black Bag. Other attendees included Fabien Frankel from House of the Dragon, Honor Swinton Byrne from The Souvenir, and Jessica Madsen from Bridgerton, among others. The gathering provided a unique opportunity for these stars to mingle over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres before taking their seats for the main event.
The legacy of Carlton
Jane Mackie, Senior Vice President of Global Marketing Luxury, Lifestyle, and Premium Brands at IHG Hotels & Resorts, opened the luncheon with remarks highlighting the significance of the Carlton Hotel. Since hosting the inaugural Cannes Film Festival in 1946, the hotel has been a cornerstone of the event, witnessing countless memorable moments, including an Elton John music video and an Alfred Hitchcock film. As the Carlton approaches its second anniversary of extensive renovations, it continues to stand as a flagship within IHG’s Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio.
Following Mackie’s introduction, Vanity Fair’s chief critic Richard Lawson shared his insights before guests indulged in a sumptuous three-course meal, all while soaking in the elegant ambiance of the sunny afternoon.
A milestone for IHG
This year’s luncheon also marked a significant milestone for IHG, coinciding with the relaunch of the Regent brand in the U.S. last October. Mackie teased the audience with a glimpse of what to expect from the Regent Santa Monica, saying, “Imagine this hotel but on Santa Monica beach. It’s something very special.” The excitement was palpable, as Hollywood felt just a heartbeat away, even in the idyllic South of France.
Among the attendees was Emmy-nominated breakout star Nava Mau, who arrived fresh from the BAFTAs. Mau has been busy since the launch of her Netflix series over a year ago and is set to release her acclaimed short film, All the Words But the One, digitally later this month. Her presence at the luncheon symbolized the whirlwind of activity surrounding her career, marking her first experience at Cannes.