By Jake Coyle, Film Writer
CANNES, France (AP) --"Carol," Todd Haynes' 1950s lesbian romance with Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara, had the Cannes Film Festival swooning after its premiere.
The long-in-development adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's novel was received rapturously at Cannes for its tale of an illicit love between two women in conservative '50s New York. Speaking to reporters Sunday, Blanchett said "Carol" is more than a period piece.
"We're living in deeply conservative times," said Blanchett, noting that in many countries, homosexuality is still illegal. "And if we think otherwise, then we're very foolish."
"Carol," based on Highsmith's 1952 novel "The Price of Salt," was one of the most anticipated films at Cannes and emerged a likely contender for the Palme d'Or and, later in the year, the Academy Awards. The Weinstein Co. will release it Dec. 18 in the U.S.
The eroticism of "Carol" comes largely through subtle, hidden gestures, but Blanchett and Mara were asked about shooting the film's tasteful sex scene. Blanchett, a mother of four, said being naked hasn't been as much an issue for her since giving birth with "a lot of strangers."
"It's an important scene," she said.
Mara added: "I'm nude quite often so it wasn't a big deal for me."
Blanchett also added her voice to the growing chorus over sexism is Hollywood.
"It's important to keep talking about it," said Blanchett. "It fell off the agenda and I think we lost a lot of ground."
The screenwriter Phyllis Nagy didn't contradict her, but added a note of optimism.
"Nothing has changed and everything has changed," Nagy said. "We can have this movie now."
“Dune: Part Two” and “House of the Dragon” Win 2 HPA Awards Apiece
Dune: Part Two and House of the Dragon each scored two HPA Awards during a gala ceremony at the Television Academy’s Wolf Theatre in North Hollywood, Calif. on Thursday night (11/7). The HPA Awards honor trailblazing talent in the postproduction industry, celebrating standout achievements in color grading, sound, editing, restoration, and visual effects across theatrical features, commercials, and episodics.
Dune: Part Two topped the Outstanding Color Grading--Live Action Theatrical Feature and the Outstanding Sound--Theatrical Feature categories.
House of the Dragon’s two wins were for “The Red Dragon and the Gold” episode which scored for Outstanding Visual Effects--Live Action Episode or Series Season, and Outstanding Editing--Episode or Non-Theatrical Feature (Over 30 Minutes). In the latter HPA Creative Category, House of the Dragon tied with the “Part Six: Far,l Far Away” episode of Ahsoka.
The HPA’s Judges Award for Creativity and Innovation honored Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour. This recognition celebrates the profound impact on both live and filmed entertainment that defined The Eras Tour, underscoring its exceptional impact on audiences and the industry. The jury issued a statement outlining their choice: “Celebrated as the cultural phenomenon of 2023, Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour set new records in box office sales, tour revenues, and attendance. The tour showcased exceptional artistry and innovation, making a profound impact on both live and filmed entertainment.”
This year, FotoKem was awarded the Charles S. Swartz Award for its role in supporting filmmakers, studios, cinematographers, and artists across diverse film and media landscapes. Also celebrated... Read More