The Cannes Film Festival is gearing up for its 65th year and to celebrate they have chosen Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe to grace the poster artwork to promote this year’s film fest. Not only is this year the 65th anniversary of the Cannes Film Festival but it is also the 50th anniversary of Monroe‘s death … so, I guess, it seemed fitting to use her as this year’s poster star. Click below to check out the Marilyn-centric poster for this year’s 65th annual Cannes Film Festival.
The Cannes Film Festival has chosen none other than legendary actress Marilyn Monroe as the icon for its 2012 festival. The late blond bombshell is featured in an official poster to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the festival. In the black-and-white image, which was taken by photographer Otto L. Bettmann, Monroe is seen seductively blowing out a candle on a birthday cake. Designed by The Bronx agency in Paris, the one-sheet also aims to pay tribute to the star in the 50th anniversary of her death. In a press release issued on Tuesday, February 28, Cannes Festival explained why it picked Monroe as the icon for its 65th edition:
“Fifty years after her death, Marilyn is still a major figure in world cinema, an eternal icon, whose grace, mystery and power of seduction remain resolutely contemporary. Each of her screen appearance sparks the imagination. The Festival poster captures Marilyn by surprise in an intimate moment where myth meets reality, a moving tribute to the anniversary of her passing, which coincides with the Festival anniversary. She enchants us with this promising gesture: a seductively blown kiss. The Festival is a temple of glamour and Marilyn is its perfect incarnation. Their coming together symbolizes the ideal of simplicity and elegance.”
This year the Cannes Film Festival will run from May 16 to 27. I have to say, as morbid as it may be to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Marilyn Monroe‘s death, I do think the folks at Cannes have chosen well by selecting her to be their poster star this year. There is no actress alive or dead that embodies Hollywood like Marilyn Monroe does. This image of her blowing out the candle is just … iconic. I approve of this poster and enjoy it very much … do you?
[Source]
It’s timeless, and absolutely perfect for an event as iconic as Cannes.
i like it, although i still don’t get it, why won’t people let marilyn die!! there were other better and iconic actreeses. i like marilyn but i personally preffer greta, marlene or audry hepburn.
I am a huge fan of many women in Hollywood during the 50s/60s, and I really dislike the Marilyn cult and “tributes”. However, I think the article states it perfectly that her mystery, grace, seduction, and not to mention charm and wit…have gone unmatched. If you have no interest in her, than I can fully understand why you may not grasp this the way some do. I just personally find that her beauty and intelligence were and continue to be utterly captivating. That and everyone loves bittersweet tragedy.
I love that Marilyn still SLAYS 50 years after her death…she was so unappreciated in life at least as far as acting is concerned
I work on a lot of various projects throughout the French Riviera and I must say, when this poster was released, everyone was pleased!
I have never seen an image show up and shared so quickly amongst so many people and businesses on every social media site.
This image will be perfect for the film festival, it transcends generations and markets. I can hardly wait to see how striking it looks on the Croisette in Cannes.
As a designer, the poster (particularly font choice) could have been better, but it is nice and I adore the concept and photo of Marilyn.