Just Cinema Ph © Michele Illuzzi

François-Henri Pinault, Chairman and CEO of Kering, joined Iris Knobloch, President of the Cannes Film Festival, and General Delegate Thierry Frémaux to present the 2025 Women In Motion Award to Nicole Kidman, recognizing her long-standing contribution to cinema both in front of and behind the camera.

The Emerging Talent Award was awarded to Brazilian director Marianna Brennand, highlighting a new voice in international filmmaking.

The Women In Motion initiative, created by Kering in 2015, aims to spotlight the role of women in the arts and culture, particularly in the film industry, while also addressing gender inequality in the sector. Over the years, it has become a key moment at Cannes, celebrating both established figures and rising talents.

In her acceptance speech, Kidman delivered a message centered on opportunity and representation. She emphasized the importance of supporting women in the industry, encouraging greater trust and investment in their work. She spoke about the value of female perspectives in storytelling, noting that women bring not only change but also emotional depth and authenticity to the screen. Her remarks were met with strong applause from the audience.

The event also served as a gathering point for some of the most prominent names in cinema. Members of the official Cannes jury were in attendance, along with a distinguished guest list that included Isabelle Huppert, Salma Hayek Pinault, Julianne Moore, Sean Penn, Charli XCX, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Julia Ducournau, Guillermo del Toro, Julia Garner, Chie Hayakawa, Paul Mescal, Coralie Fargeat, Pierre Niney, Costa-Gavras, Dakota Johnson, Amélie Bonnin, and Virginie Efira.

The evening combined celebration with reflection, reinforcing the ongoing conversation about representation in cinema while honoring those who continue to shape its future.

Stefania Veneri

Just Cinema Ph © Michele Illuzzi