Jean Dujardin, Guillaume Canet, Isabelle Adjani, Isabelle Huppert, Jonathan Cohen, and Léa Drucker: the stars graced the cinema with Madame Figaro on Tuesday, March 31 in Paris. An exclusive and dazzling cast that hints at the upcoming Cannes Film Festival. Between cinema and Madame Figaro, a passionate love story unfolds week after week, culminating in an exceptional Cinema Dinner that heralds the Cannes Film Festival, scheduled to take place this year from May 12 to May 23.
“A joyful ritual, like reuniting with family, in what is reassuring, in what is a sanctuary, in what is a fortress, in these turbulent times… With cinema, we gain strength, we expand, we think bigger,” said Anne-Florence Schmitt, director of the editorial team, at the preamble to this event, held on Tuesday evening with Chopard, represented by Caroline Scheufele. This year, Canal+ joined the dinner – Maxime Saada, the group’s general manager, was present – supported by Peugeot France and Augustinus Bader.
The enchanting setting? At Gigi, a chic Italian restaurant on the rooftop of the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, overlooking the prestigious Avenue Montaigne with a direct view of the flickering lights of the Eiffel Tower. A charming decor with the collaboration of Albane Cleret, soft candlelit ambiance, and a bed of tawny flowers, serving as a backdrop for the approximately 120 celebrities attending this exceptional gathering, the ninth of its kind.
The presence of the two Isabelles, Adjani and Huppert, added a whimsical touch to the evening. Despite a persistent urban legend suggesting their irreconcilability, their paths did not cross, each reigning joyfully at their respective tables. Adjani, loyal to herself, amiable and mysterious, disclosed her imminent departure to Florida for a family event. Huppert reunited with director Francois Ozon, who directed her in “8 Women.” Ledoyen, another actress from the cult film of 2002, quickly joined them on the velvet-covered banquette, where a langoustine carpaccio, turbot with baby vegetables, and Italian meringue were served.
Barbara Pravi’s voice filled the room around midnight, with the Eiffel Tower still glittering, as she sang Michel Legrand and Dalida classics accompanied by a pianist.
As the night progressed, the cinephile crowd mingled in a delightful chaos. The Eiffel Tower still shimmering, the night ended with an improvised afterparty on the terrace, where Raphaël Personnaz toasted with Jonathan Cohen, Pio Marmaï with Benjamin Lavernhe, and Martin Bourboulon with Damien Bonnard.
At 2 a.m., Gigi’s doors closed on a truly iconic Cinema Dinner.
