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Cannes Decades: Photographer's Unforgettable Celebrity Encounters
10 May
Summary
- Photographer captured 20 years of Cannes, including royalty and stars.
- Recounts chaotic yet composed moments with Muhammad Ali.
- Describes friendly rivalry between Schwarzenegger and Stallone.
Award-winning photographer Richard Blanshard shared his unforgettable experiences from 20 years at the Cannes Film Festival. Arriving at age 22 in 1976, Blanshard captured images of global stars and royalty, including Princess Diana and Gene Kelly. He described Muhammad Ali as a wonderful character, recalling a moment of mayhem at the Carlton Hotel terrace that Ali handled with composure.
Blanshard also detailed the playful rivalry between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone during their Cannes appearances. He witnessed their interactions with directors at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, even orchestrating a dance between the two action stars. Another memorable instance involved Stallone being mobbed at the Carlton Hotel, requiring a swift escape.
His assignments included photographing Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly, and documenting Johnny Depp's evolving style from the launch of 'Ed Wood'. Blanshard's 1987 photos of King Charles III and Princess Diana offered a poignant reflection on their relationship. His black and white images, collected in 'Cannes Uncut: The Golden Years,' aim to transport viewers to that unique era.
