L’Oréal Paris launches award for women in cinema

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Jun 23, 2021

L’Oréal Paris announced on Tuesday the launch of the Lights on Women Award, which will honour one rising female filmmaker. 

Coinciding with the 74th Festival de Cannes, the award is in partnership with the Short Films competition of the Festival de Cannes and aims to encourage promising directors to pursue their creative ambitions, and provide funding that will empower women in overcoming the obstacles that they encounter. 

The winner of the inaugural Lights On Women Award will receive financial support of up to 30,000€.

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The winner will be hand-picked from a selection of the Festival de Cannes’ Short Films competition and from international film schools’ short film programs, 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 July 16.

L'Oréal Paris has been Official Partner of the Cannes Film Festival for more than 24 years. The new award is in line with the brand’s commitment to champion women's empowerment, specifically in the world of film. 

“This exciting partnership with L’Oréal Paris represents a natural extension of the brand’s ongoing support for Cannes and the wider cinema community,” said Thierry Frémaux, director of the Festival international du film de Cannes. 

“The Lights on Women Award will offer a much-needed opportunity to honour a deserving creator and aligns with the broader commitment of the Short Films competition and international film schools’ short film programs to recognize the female talent of tomorrow.” 

There were only 10.7 percent of female film directors in Hollywood as of 2019. Moreover, only 21.3 percent of short films are directed by women; and only seven women have ever been nominated for Best Director at the Academy Awards.     

"L'Oréal Paris is a feminine and feminist brand; we believe in empowering women to overcome barriers and to have a long-term positive social impact within their communities," said Delphine Viguier-Hovasse, global brand president, L'Oréal Paris. 

"The massive under-representation of women in film requires large-scale support and I am proud to use our brand platform and resources to stand up for women's visibility, with the help of the incredible female actors who represent our brand. I firmly believe in advocating for talented women and holding space for them to shine."