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Cannes Film Festival: Behind the scenes with a red carpet photographer

Filed under: Events: On the Scene

Michael Buckner is a fashion and celebrity photographer who travels around the world taking pictures on the red carpet. He gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the hottest entertainment industry events.

Here we go. I've beaten flight delays, jet lag, sharing a room the size of a closet, and driving a scooter for the first time in my life.

Arriving in Cannes

(click thumbnails to view gallery)

  • It's truly gorgeous up at the top of the hill.
  • A Landscape today of the Palais (the tented area where photographers, tv crew, and intertional fans away celebrity arrivals)
  • Before the carpet is laid out

Before my Chopard party, I went over to the Hotel Majestic Cannes Barrière to catch some of the Jury Panel leaving to the opening night ceremony for "Blindness." Sat around for an hour with French fans with point and shoot cameras, until Mischa Barton showed up with her over the shoulder glamour. She was followed by the always classy Faye Dunaway, then Natalie Portman in a stylish purple strapless dress. And I don't know who Amira Casar is, but I dig her meter long bow tie and the checkerboard skirt. Is it suitable for Cannes?

At the Hotel Majestic Cannes Barriere

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  • Amira Casar
  • Misha Barton
  • Faye Dunaway
  • Natalie Portman
  • Natalie Portman

After that it was off to Chopard, who hosted a party celebrating Italian designer Alberta Ferretti. Singer/actress and all around lick Juliette Lewis disc jockeyed the party where she played disco, techno and a few of her own tunes. Australian actress Cate Blanchett posed with the designer and a few friends.

At the Chopard party

(click thumbnails to view gallery)

  • Albertta Ferretti (in Alberta Ferretti)
  • Cate Blanchett
  • Juliette Lewis (in Alberta Ferretti)
  • Juliette Lewis (in Alberta Ferretti)

Conclusion? Purple is already a graceful theme for ladies this year. We'll see how much more comes out. Also, Alberta Ferretti works well with the larger jewelry of Chopard -- definitely a nice combination.


See coverage of all the films Cannes has to offer at Cinematical.

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