CELEBRATING FIVE YEARS OF SPOTLIGHTING WOMEN FILMMAKERS AT THE FESTIVAL DE CANNES

Since 2021, the Lights On Women’s Worth Award has championed emerging female voices in film. As L’Oréal Paris returns to Cannes for its 28th year as Official Makeup Partner, we proudly mark five years of championing female storytellers and challenging gender imbalance in cinema.

This year, Academy Award-winning actress and L’Oréal Paris ambassador Viola Davis joins as Juror, following in the footsteps of Elle Fanning and Kate Winslet. Davis will present the 2025 award to one standout female director from the Cannes Short Film Competition or La Cinef selection.

On May 14, L’Oréal Paris will host Le Dîner Women of Worth, celebrating women’s empowerment and two major milestones: Eva Longoria’s 20-year and Andie MacDowell’s 40-year anniversary with the brand. Then, on May 23, the 2025 Lights On Women’s Worth Award Ceremony will shine a spotlight on the next visionary filmmaker.

This year, L’Oréal Paris Global Makeup Artist Harold James brings his signature French touch to Cannes, reimagining timeless beauty looks with modern elegance. Backed by a team of 30 artists, James will lead the glam from opening to closing ceremony.

THE L’ORÉAL PARIS FAMILY RETURNS TO CANNES

Empowerment. Inclusivity. Sisterhood. At Cannes 2025, a global cast of ambassadors will unite once again to celebrate what it means to be a Woman of Worth:

Simone Ashley • Viola Davis • Elle Fanning • Jane Fonda • Eva Longoria • Andie MacDowell • Helen Mirren • Aishwarya Rai • Gillian Anderson • Carlos Sainz • Alia Bhatt • Cara Delevingne • Cindy Bruna • Aja Naomi King Yseult • Marie Bochet • Bebe Vio • Luma Grothe

ABOUT THE AWARD

Only 17% of directors of leading global films are women—and just 25% of behind-the-scenes creatives. The Lights On Women’s Worth Award was created to help change that. Each year, the winner receives a €20,000 grant and mentorship support from L’Oréal Paris.

A LEGACY OF EMPOWERMENT

Five years. Five unforgettable stories. Countless voices inspired. The Lights On Women’s Worth Award has honored rising talent from across the globe—each winner selected not only for their creative excellence, but for their ability to tell bold, resonant stories. These short films have gone on to win 50 awards and earn more than 220 international selections.

Watch winning movies from previous years

Viv Li, Across the Waters (2024)

A quiet mining town, a curious teen, and a new world of sound — Viv Li’s coming-of-age story captures the joy of unexpected discovery.

Fatima Kaci, The Voice of Others (2023)

A French-Tunisian interpreter’s inner conflict comes to light in this moving meditation on language, identity, and empathy.

Mai Vu, Spring Roll Dream (2022)

Described as “exquisite” by juror Kate Winslet, this Vietnamese short is a delicate tribute to family and tradition.

Aleksandra Odić, Frida (2021)

The inaugural winner explores a powerful connection between nurse and patient in a moment of quiet intimacy.