15 vintage shots of the Cannes Film Festival that capture the glamour of the Riviera

By Jess McHugh
May 19, 2017
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Since its debut in 1946, the Cannes Film Festival on the French Riviera has been more than a celebration of the best films of the year. It has been a moment for newcomers and stars alike to put their names in the international press, while also showing off some daring fashion choices.

Unlike some other film festivals or awards shows, such as the Oscars, Cannes has been known to launch and even favor unknowns, celebrating great films, no matter how meager their resources were. The festival helped kick start the French New Wave in the 1960s, along with rule-breaking actors and directors from all over the world.

The 1950s and 1960s saw some of cinema’s most glamorous icons flock to the beaches of the Riviera. Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Paul Newman, and of course French star and sex symbol Brigitte Bardot, all caused a frenzy every time they stepped out of their hotels or onto the beach.

The glamour of Cannes remains during this month’s festival, captivating moviegoers and artists alike.

“You hear people saying, 'Oh I'm so tired, I've had enough of Cannes.' How can you have enough of Cannes? It's just the best place to be, like a fairytale,” writer and filmmaker Maryjane Satrapi wrote in 2010.

As the festival takes place May 17-28 this year, take a look back at some of the best moments and looks from the golden age of the Cannes Film Festival.
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Audrey Hepburn

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Audrey Hepburn at the 1960 Cannes Film Festival.

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Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward

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Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward check in to their hotel in Cannes in 1973 for the Cannes Film Festival.

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Warren Beatty and Natalie Wood

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Warren Beatty and Natalie Wood on the red carpet at Cannes in 1962.

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Brigitte Bardot greets her fans

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French actress Brigitte Bardot signing autographs during the Cannes Film Festival, 1953.

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Grace Kelly

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Grace Kelly at the Cannes Film Festival in 1955.

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Brigitte Bardot and dogs

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Brigitte Bardot playing with her dogs on the beach at Cannes, during the 1955 Cannes Film Festival.

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Cannes photographers

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Press photographers wearing politician masks during the 40th Cannes Film Festival, in 1987.

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Diana Dors and Ginger Rogers

"Queen of Cannes" Diana Dors arrives at the Cannes Film Festival with Ginger Rogers, in 1956.

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Edith Piaf

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Edith Piaf sings on the terrace of the Carlton Hotel at the first Cannes Film Festival, in 1946.

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Sean Connery

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Sean Connery at the Cannes Film Festival in 1965.

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Alfred Hitchcock

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Alfred Hitchcock traveling by boat to Cannes, in 1972.

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Sofia Loren

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Sofia Loren arrives at Cinema Palace in 1966 to act as the jury chairman of the Cannes Film Festival.

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Tippi Hedren and Alfred Hitchcock

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Tippi Hedren and Alfred Hitchcock present "The Birds" in Cannes in 1963.

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Catherine Deneuve

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Catherine Deneuve arrives at Cannes in 1964 to promote "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg," which won the Palme d'Or prize.

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Classic stars strut on the beach

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Stars, including Olivia de Havilland (far left) and Brigitte Bardot (fifth from left), walk together at the Cannes Film Festival, 1955.

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By Jess McHugh