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FESTIVAL DE CANNES 2022 L’Oréal Paris launches its 2nd edition of Lights on Women Award and highlights the female filmmakers of tomorrow

In 2021, L'Oréal Paris decided to go further with its support for women who make cinema by launching a dedicated award for promising female short film directors. The aim was to fight for the visibility of women, who are still under-represented in the film industry, and to give tomorrow's talents the means to pursue their projects and accomplish their dreams. After the huge success of last year, we are proud to launch the second edition of this incredible initiative. Kate Winslet, our patron and juror, will present the award to the winner on May 27.

Lights On Women Award:
Reshaping the film industry through recognition and visibility

The proportion of women in directorial positions on top-grossing films is only 17%. Behind the scenes, key roles are held by women for only a quarter. As a brand that has always fought for women's self-esteem and empowerment, L'Oréal Paris could not stand by and do nothing. Through its Lights On Women initiative, the brand offers unique recognition and financial support of 20,000 euros to the most promising female short film director-selected from the Short Films Competition and La Cinef's selection at Cannes. Last year, the German Aleksandra Odić received the award for her film Frida. We are bursting to discover the 2022 winner!

“My hope for the future is that this kind of award won’t even be necessary, as women who make cinema continue to take their rightful place in the industry,”

Delphine Viguier-Hovasse, Global Brand President, L’Oréal Paris.

An award presented in person by our Juror, Kate Winslet

As last year, the final choice will be determined and announced by Academy award-winner and L’Oréal Paris spokesperson Kate Winslet during a special prize ceremony at the Jeune Cinéma dinner in Cannes on May 27. None other than Kate Winslet could better embody this program as the values she carries, her freedom, her sense of sorority and her actions for the empowerment of women resonate with those of the Lights On Women Award.
Kate Winslet

“The Lights On Women Award plays a vital role in bestowing much needed praise on today’s female creators––women who are much too often passed over for their male counterparts in this industry. The sheer beauty and force of last years’ inaugural film moved me to tears, and I am honoured to play a part in continuing this important program, which offers a pathway for women in film to propel their careers forward.”

Kate Winslet

Aleksandra Odić, the inaugural winner of the Lights On Women Award

Last year, the Jury chose Aleksandra Odić, a young German director, won the award with her short film Frida, the story of an encounter between a young nurse and her patient of the same age. In 2021, Aleksandra received her Award at an emotional ceremony during which she emphasized the importance of solidarity among female filmmakers. Our spokes like Gemma Chan, Liya Kebede and French singer Yseult were there to express their support and their enthusiasm for this new generation of talented women directors. No doubt that the 2022 edition promotion will be as exciting and promising as the inaugural session last year.