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    Cate Blanchett just led a huge women's protest on the Cannes red carpet

    And we're here for it.

    Jenny Proudfoot's avatar
    By Jenny Proudfoot
    Published 14 May 2018 In News

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    cate blanchett protest
    (Image credit: REX)
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    And we're here for it.

    The Cannes Film Festival is in full swing, with swarms of A-List celebrities taking to the red carpet on the French Riviera, to celebrate the 71st annual event.

    While there has been buzz around Bella Hadid and The Weeknd's reunion in the French city and the festival's selfie-free red carpet, the main talk of Cannes Film Festival has been its badass female jury.

    Cate Blanchett leading the Women's Protest at Cannes Film Festival. Credit: REX

    Led by president of the Cannes Film Festival Jury, Cate Blanchett, this year's panel is dominated by some impressive female names including actresses Lea Seydoux, Kristen Stewart, director Ava DuVernay, artist Khadja Nin as well as male directors Robert Guediguian, Denis Villenueve, Andrewy Zvyagintsev and Taiwanese actor Chang Chen.

    In the wake of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements, the theme of the festival was clear from the get-go - taking a stand against the mistreatment of women, from female jury members wearing black to the Cannes opening ceremony, to actresses and female directors taking to the red carpet to shut down sexist questions.

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    This weekend however, Cate Blanchett took it a step further, leading an 82-woman Cannes red carpet #MeToo protest - and we're here for it.

    Women's Protest at Cannes Film Festival. Credit: REX

    The unprecedented protest saw 82 actresses, female producers and directors - including Salma Hayek and Kristen Stewart - marching arm in arm down the red carpet to call for equal pay and an end to sexual harassment.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

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    By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

    ‘We demand that our workplaces are diverse and equitable so they can best reflect the world in which we live,’ announced Cate Blanchett, calling for ‘a world that allows all of us, in front and behind the camera, to thrive shoulder to shoulder with out male colleagues.’

    Women's march at Cannes Film Festival. Credit: REX

    The result? An unprecedented move by the Cannes Film Festival to pledge its commitment to parity and diversity.

    Who runs the world? Girls.

    Jenny Proudfoot
    Jenny Proudfoot
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    Contributing Features Editor

    Jenny Proudfoot is an award-winning journalist, specialising in lifestyle, culture, entertainment, international development and politics. After working at Marie Claire UK for seven years - rising from intern to Features Editor - she is now a freelance contributor to the News and Features section.

    In 2021, Jenny was named as a winner on the PPA's '30 under 30' list, and was also listed as a rising star in journalism.

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