Celebrated for her acclaimed career and humanitarian work, Angelina Jolie steps into a guiding role at the 78th Cannes Film Festival. As Godmother of Trophée Chopard Award, Jolie will present this year’s honor to Marie Colomb and Finn Bennett.
The Oscar-winning actress will present the accolade alongside key figures, including festival president Iris Knobloch, general delegate Thierry Frémaux and Chopard co-president and Artistic director Caroline Scheufele.
Last year’s winners were Australian actress Sophie Wilde and American actor Mike Faist, with Demi Moore as their godmother.
Jolie stated, “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.”
Now in its 25th year, the Trophée Chopard Award has built a reputation for recognizing actors who go on to influence film and fashion. Past winners include Léa Seydoux, Diane Kruger, James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy and Florence Pugh, who have set a high bar for future recipients. Scheufele highlighted Jolie’s impressive film career and commitment to global causes, calling her the perfect inspiration for the young actors receiving the award. Scheufele believes the honorees will benefit greatly from Jolie’s experience and guidance.
Marie Colomb is a rising star in French cinema. She gained recognition for her performance in “Magnetic Beats,” a film that received the César Award for Best First Film. She will star in the new French adaptation of “Les Misérables,” sharing the screen with Camille Cottin and Noémie Merlant. Meanwhile, Irish-British actor Finn Bennett, known for his roles in “Warfare,” “Black Doves” and “True Detective: Night Country,” will soon star in the highly anticipated “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” a new “Game of Thrones” series.
Jolie’s connection to cinema and fashion runs deep. Last year, she starred in Pablo Larraín’s “Maria,” a biopic of opera legend Maria Callas. She will soon appear in Alice Winocour’s “Couture,” set during Paris Fashion Week. Beyond acting, Jolie founded Atelier Jolie, a creative hub and fashion brand in New York, and she advises the sustainable brand Another Tomorrow.
Guidance for new talent is at the heart of the Godmother of the Trophée Chopard Award, which has been presented since 2001 by Caroline Scheufele. As is traditional for the godmother role, Jolie will guide up-and-coming actors throughout the year. Previous mentors include Julia Roberts, Demi Moore, Julianne Moore, Charlize Theron, Robert De Niro and Cate Blanchett. Many winners, such as Diane Kruger and Marion Cotillard, have returned as godmothers to support the next generation.
Chopard, a longtime supporter of the Cannes Film Festival, also crafts the Palme d’Or trophy. At the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, Caroline Scheufele will unveil her Caroline’s Couture collection on May 15th at the Hôtel Martinez, and the luxury jeweler will host its debut Universal Gala on May 19th.
