PARIS — Angelina Jolie may be prepping to reprise her role as an evil stepmother in the next installment of the “Maleficent” series, but she will soon play godmother to this year’s Trophée Chopard winners Marie Colomb and Finn Bennett.
The Oscar winner will be on hand in Cannes to present the annual award to the emerging actors, alongside film festival president Iris Knobloch, general delegate Thierry Frémaux, and Chopard copresident and artistic director Caroline Scheufele.
“I am so happy to welcome Angelina Jolie as our Trophée Chopard Godmother. Her amazing film career and dedication to making a difference in the world make her an ideal role model. I know the rising talents we honor this year will be inspired by her journey and advice,” said Scheufele.
“I am honored to be Godmother at the Cannes Film Festival. I am pleased to have a moment to recognize young artists and their exceptional work,” Jolie added.
Jolie starred in last year’s “Maria,” a Pablo Lorrain’s biopic of opera singer Maria Callas. She also stars in Alice Winocour’s upcoming “Couture,” set against Paris Fashion Week. Both were shot in Paris; Jolie also produced the latter.
Jolie is no stranger to Cannes. Her first outing to the festival was in 2004 where she appeared alongside Will Smith and Jack Black for the film “Shark Tales,” and she came to the Croisette again in 2008 for Clint Eastwood’s “Changeling.”
Jolie is also behind Atelier Jolie, a creative fashion and art hub, in New York, and serves in the role of strategic adviser to the sustainable brand Another Tomorrow.
As is traditional for the godmother role, Jolie will offer the up-and-coming actors guidance through the year.
Marie Colomb
Courtesy Chopard
Colomb has been a breakout star in France, including a starring role in the film “Magnetic Beats,” which won the César Award for Best First Film. She will be in the upcoming French version of “Les Miserables” alongside Camille Cottin and Noémie Merlant.
Irish-British actor Finn Bennett will also be honored, following his role in “Warfare,” “Black Doves” and “True Detective: Night Country.” He’s slated to be the lead in the next “Game of Thrones” spin-off “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.”
Finn Bennett
Courtesy Chopard
It will be the 25th edition of the award, which cinema lover Scheufele launched in 2001.
The Trophée is considered to be a particularly auspicious award, with previous winners including Léa Seydoux, Diane Kruger, Florence Pugh, Anya Taylor-Joy, James McAvoy and John Boyega. Winners such as Kruger, Seydoux and Marion Cotillard have returned as godmothers in later years.
Other stars including Demi Moore, Charlize Theron, Cate Blanchett, Julianne Moore, Julia Roberts, as well as Robert De Niro and Sean Penn, have also served as the mentors.
Longtime Cannes partner Chopard is also behind the festival’s top prize in the Palme d’Or. The house will host its first Universal Gala on May 19, while Scheufele will show a presentation of her Caroline’s Couture fashion line on May 15 at the Hôtel Martinez.
Last year’s winners Sophie Wilde and Mike Faist (L-R) flank godmother Demi Moore.
Olivier Borde / Courtesy Chopard
