Cannes Film Festival 2023: A Hub for Emmy Hopefuls
As the Cannes Film Festival takes center stage every mid-May, the timing strategically aligns with the commencement of Primetime Emmy nominations voting in mid-June. This synchronicity draws a significant portion of the entertainment industry and media to the Croisette, and this year has witnessed an unprecedented number of Emmy contenders making the journey.
A Star-Studded Gatherings
Among the notable personalities gracing this year’s festival is Robert De Niro, who is being recognized for his performance in Netflix’s Zero Day as a contender for Best Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or TV Movie. Despite his aversion to the spotlight, De Niro attended the festival to receive an honorary Palme d’Or on the opening night of May 13 and took part in a discussion about his illustrious career the next day.
Another prominent figure at the festival is Marco Calvani, a Best Supporting Actor contender for his role in Netflix’s The Four Seasons. Calvani, while supporting the producers of his upcoming feature film *Dangerous Animals*, is also in Cannes to negotiate pre-sales for his co-written directorial project, *Capitana*.
Rumored to be in and out of Cannes in under 24 hours, Tramell Tillman, known for his role as “Mr. Milchick” in Apple TV+’s Severance, is attending as part of the ensemble cast for the out-of-competition film Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning, which premiered on May 14.
Upcoming Premieres and Special Screenings
On May 16, Oscar winner Natalie Portman is anticipated to grace the premiere of *Arco*, an animated feature for which she lends her voice and serves as a producer. Portman is nominated for Best Actress for her role in Apple TV+’s Lady in the Lake.
That evening will also feature a special screening of U2’s Bono: Stories of Surrender. This film, directed by Andrew Dominik, reimagines Bono’s celebrated one-man stage performance and is eligible for Best Variety Special (Pre-Recorded).
Additionally, French actress Charlotte Gainsbourg, nominee for Best Actress in a Comedy Series for Amazon’s Étoile, will be in attendance to receive a distinguished honor for her role in the series.
On the same night, Oscar winner Sissy Spacek will be present for the premiere of Die, My Love, in which she stars alongside Jennifer Lawrence. Spacek is nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or TV Movie for her role in FX’s Dying for Sex.
The following night, Gael García Bernal, competing for Best Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series for *La Máquina* on Hulu, will attend the premiere of *Magellan* in the Cannes Premieres section, where he portrays the renowned Portuguese explorer.
Building Momentum for the Emmys
As the festival draws near its conclusion on May 22, Taraji P. Henson is set to host amfAR’s Cannes Gala fundraiser at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc. Henson is a contender for Best Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or TV Movie for Peacock’s Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist.
While it remains uncertain if these celebrity appearances will significantly influence the opinions of the over 20,000 members of the Television Academy, the allure of Cannes offers an undeniable opportunity for connection and visibility among Emmy hopefuls.