The Cannes Film Festival is celebrating its 65th anniversary this year and has chosen one of the most iconic faces of movie history for its poster. Photographed by Otto L. Bettmann , Marilyn Monroe is blowing a candle on a birthday cake. Looking at it, her unforgettable rendition of “Happy Birthday”, which she sung to President Kennedy in 1962, springs to mind…
It is also a touching tribute to the actress. August 5th will mark the 50th anniversary of her death. Check out the poster after the jump. The 65th Cannes Film Festival runs from May 16 -27th.
The official press release explains why Marilyn Monroe was the perfect choice:
“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 appearances 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 symbolises the ideal of simplicity and elegance.”
The Cannes Film Festival will run from May 16 to 27. Italian actor and filmmaker Nanni Moretti will preside over the jury.
PHOTO CREDIT: © photo by Otto L. Bettmann – Artwork: agence Bronx