At 86, Jane Fonda turned heads at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, stepping onto the red carpet in an ensemble that was as bold as it was elegant. The outfit garnered many admiring comments, but also some controversy. This comes after an unexpected event involving Fonda at last year’s Cannes Film Festival.
At 86, Jane Fonda once again proved her timeless appeal and sense of style at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. Radiating confidence and glamour, Fonda turned heads with a bold aesthetic choice. She wore vibrant red lipstick paired with a smoky eye makeup look, accentuating her striking features.
She was clad in a figure-hugging black jumpsuit adorned with intricate black and silver details on the bodice. The ensemble was not just a style statement but a showcase of Fonda’s ability to capture the spotlight on one of the most-watched red carpets in the world.
Fonda’s ensemble at the Cannes Film Festival elicited an enthusiastic response from fans and onlookers. Social media buzzed with comments and admiration, with fans expressing a range of emotions and observations. One fan exclaimed, “You make me speechless.” Another fan noted, “She looks great and her figure is amazing.”
Yet, amidst the compliments, there were also comments about her youthful appearance with a somewhat critical edge, “So much plastic surgery!!!!” While some thought she had had too much work done, others noted how jealous they were that she had access to plastic surgery. Others thought hers was the best plastic surgery in Hollywood.
Beyond individual comments, there was a collective sense of admiration for Fonda’s appearance. Longtime fans felt she had always known how to make an unforgettable entrance and dominate the red carpet. Additionally, many described her as radiant.
Fonda’s choice of attire for the prestigious festival was not only a fashion statement but also a showcase of meticulous design and craftsmanship. She graced the red carpet in an exquisite Elie Saab Pre-Fall 2019 black jumpsuit.
The jumpsuit featured a sophisticated silhouette with a modern twist. It was characterized by elegant black and silver detailing on the bodice that added an intricate visual interest to her look.
Complementing her stunning outfit, Fonda accesorized with Casa Pomellato’s high jewelry collection. She wore the sculptural ‘Asimmetrico’ necklace, which was masterfully encrusted with 2,924 diamonds. The ensemble was paired with a matching cuff bracelet adorned with 1,139 diamonds and complementing earrings.
Her footwear was from Margaux, featuring the updated feminine Mary Jane design. These shoes were noted for their mirrored patent leather upper and comfortable leather lining. This made them both stylish and practical for the long evening. The shoes included a hidden elastic panel on the strap for added comfort and a 5 mm plush foam padding.
Fonda’s history with the Cannes Film Festival is rich with memorable moments and significant milestones. In an incident from the previous festival in 2023, Fonda found herself in an unexpected situation while presenting the Palme d’Or. The winning director, French filmmaker Justine Triet, momentarily forgot her award scroll on the lectern.
This happened after accepting the prestigious prize for her thriller, “Anatomy of a Fall.” As Triet walked away, oblivious to her oversight, Fonda quickly retrieved the scroll.
In an attempt to catch Triet’s attention, Fonda amusingly resorted to throwing the scroll towards her. This moment quickly went viral, showcasing her spirited and spontaneous character.
Fonda has a long-standing involvement with Cannes, which dates back to her first festival appearance in 1963. Over the decades, she has witnessed and contributed to the evolving landscape of the film industry. She is particularly involved in the recognition of female filmmakers.
Her commentary during the festival highlighted the absence of women directors in competition during her early years attending Cannes. This marked a stark contrast to recent years.
This included the 2023 festival where Justine Triet was among a record seven women directors in the running. Triet is only the third female winner in the festival’s history.
Fonda’s ongoing engagement with Cannes has been marked by accolades acknowledging her contributions to cinema and activism. She was honored with an honorary Palme d’Or in 2007 and received the Kering Women In Motion Award in 2015. These awards both signified her impact as a trailblazer for women in the industry.
Fonda’s career and activism have left an indelible mark on both the Cannes Film Festival and the cinematic world. She is renowned not only for her roles in front of the camera but also for her vigorous advocacy off-screen. Fonda has consistently used her platform to challenge industry norms and champion social causes.
Fonda’s reflections on her experiences with various industry personalities have also garnered attention. She has openly discussed her perspectives on co-stars and directors. This provides a glimpse into the personal dynamics of Hollywood’s elite.
Through her actions and words, Fonda continues to inspire and challenge the status quo. This ensures that her legacy at Cannes and in the entertainment industry will be remembered not just for her achievements in film but also for her relentless pursuit of equality and justice.
Fonda’s time on the red carpet is not merely a walk; it’s a statement of her ongoing commitment to art, culture, and social issues. Although Fonda walked independently at the Cannes Film Festival this year, we previously that fans were concerned when they saw Fonda using a cane earlier this year.
Fonda had shared a joint post of her and media mogul Oprah Winfrey in a black and white photo. The two Hollywood stars were posing for the new British Vogue magazine issue, which featured a variety of other powerful women in the entertainment industry.
In the photo, Fonda and Winfrey were seen walking arm-in-arm as they looked at the camera. Of particular interest to the public was the walking boot Fonda had on and the walking stick she used.
One person questioned, “What’s with the cane[?]” while another noted, “Poor Jane has a moon boot.” A third one, who seemed to think Fonda’s cane enhanced her chic look asserted, “Jane with the Cane ain’t nothing to play around with.”
A social media user who noticed something else they found peculiar about the image pondered, “Am I the only one that’s noticing something wrong with their hands?”
This is not the first time Fonda has experienced health issues, though. The “Book Club” talent opened up about her health issues years ago. In 2019, the then 81-year-old entertainer shared that she has “had a lot of cancer.”
She then cited another scenario where her choice of outfit at the 2016 Golden Globes was influenced by a health condition. “I get out of the car, and I have the strange white dress with all the ruffles? That’s because I’d just had a mastectomy, and I had to cover my bandages,” clarified Fonda.
Fonda, who previously said that her cancer diagnosis was “an ongoing process,” then explained that she endures a lot of bodily aches and pains. She disclosed that this condition is genetic for her, citing her father and brother having gone through the same ailment. The mom of three has also had both of her hips and a knee replaced.
In 2022, Fonda sat down for an interview and discussed her hit series, “Grace and Frankie,” with acting legend Lily Tomlin. During the conversation, Fonda confirmed her replacement surgeries when she mentioned being extremely conscious about death.
She divulged, “What bothers me is that my body is, you know, basically not mine. My knees are not mine, my hips are not mine, my shoulder’s not mine.”
Nonetheless, Fonda is most appreciative of existing and still having the ability to work at her age. It’s this zest for life that has allowed her to make peace with the fact that she may not be able to do certain physical activities because of her ailing joints.
