With the Lights on Women Award,
L’Oréal Paris showcases the talented female filmmakers of tomorrow.
In 2021, L’Oréal Paris launched a special annual award program for promising female short films. The Lights on Woman Award aims to create a pathway for women in film to advance their careers, while addressing the under-representation of women in the industry. Surprisingly, only 17% of top-grossing films are directed by women, and only 25% are in key behind-the-scenes roles*.
Participants in the Lights on Women Award are selected from the Short Film Competition and the La Cinef’s selection at Cannes. The winner is announced each year at a gala dinner. Our L'Oréal Paris Ambassador, Kate Winslet, served as President of the Jury for 3 years before passing the baton to another L'Oréal Paris spokesperson and revered actress, Viola Davis, in 2024.
*2023 figures
"It’s an honor to once again turn the Lights on Women, supporting the female talent in the Festival de Cannes shorts category, to diversify the stories that reach our screens.”
Delphine Viguier-Ovasz, International President of L'Oréal Paris.
Winners of the Lights on Women Award
2023: Fatima Kaci for her short film The Voice of Others
From France, Fatima Kaci took the top honour in 2023 for her 30-minute film depicting the story of a Tunisian interpreter in France who translates the stories of refugees.
Kate Winslet, spokesperson for L’Oréal Paris and Juror for the 2023 edition, described the film as "a remarkable testament to a woman's boundless empathy for others, which becomes her most profound emotional strength. A truly phenomenal short film."
Watch the 2023 winner’s movie
2022 Mai Vu for her short film Spring Roll Dream
Mai Vu, a talented filmmaker originally from Vietnam, won the 2022 Award for her 9-minute film, "Spring Roll Dream", described as “exquisite” by juror Kate Winslet. This touching film beautifully portrays the significance of family tradition in a simple yet profound way.
Watch the 2022 winner’s movie
2021 Aleksandra Odić for her short film Frida
The first edition of the Award was opened by a young and talented German director. Her short film, "Frida” tells the story of an encounter between a young nurse and her patient of the same age. Juror Kate Winslet was deeply moved by this sensitive film “Aleksandra Odić’s short film, Frida, moved me to tears. The brave subtlety and sparse use of dialogue created an internal heartache that takes courage, skill, and a very delicate hand.”
Watch the 2021 winner’s movie
For 3 years, the Award has been presented in person by our juror - actress Kate Winslet
“Every festival, a new generation of female directors remind us of the power and importance of female storytelling”
Kate Winslet, L’Oréal Paris ambassador and Lights on Women Juror for the first three editions.
Viola Davis, our Juror for the Lights on Women 2024
In 2024, Viola Davis will take over from Kate Winslet in the crucial role of Lights on Women Award juror. L'Oréal Paris is proud to place this Award in the hands of one of the most influential actresses and producers of her time. Most recently celebrated for her role as Michele Obama in the series "First Lady", Viola is also known for her commitment to women's and minority rights.
