MILAN — Kering and the 2016 Cannes Film Festival revealed on Friday that Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon are the recipients of the 2016 “Women in Motion” Awards. This is the second edition of the prize, whose goal is to support women professionals within the film industry. Last year, it was given to Jane Fonda and independent producer Megan Ellison.
On May 15, Kering and the Festival will honor the two Academy Award-winning actresses — and activists — during the “presidential dinner,” for their contribution to the film industry and the women’s cause. Davis and Sarandon famously worked together on the cult film “Thelma & Louise,” which marks its 25th anniversary this year. Ridley Scott’s movie premiered at the 1991 edition of the Festival.
Davis, founder and chair of the nonprofit Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, has been spearheading research for nearly 10 years on the disparity between female characters on-screen and behind-the-camera. Sarandon is also committed to the promotion and defense of human rights, supporting several nonprofit and human rights organizations worldwide.
Davis and Sarandon will receive their award from Pierre Lescure, president of the festival; Thierry Frémaux, general delegate of the festival, and François-Henri Pinault, chairman and chief executive officer of Kering. As part of the “Women in Motion” Awards agenda, the two actresses have chosen the winner(s) of the “Women in Motion” award in support of young talents. The winners’ names will be revealed soon.
In line with the event’s philosophy, the dinner will be created by the renowned French chef, Anne-Sophie Pic, the only woman in France with three Michelin stars.