Annapurna Pictures’ founder Megan Ellison delivered a rare and eloquent speech that sparked a rapturous ovation at Kering’s lavish gala on Sunday evening in Cannes.
The producer and Jane Fonda were given the first Women in Motion award from Kering, introduced by Cannes Film Festival’s general delegate Thierry Fremaux, president Pierre Lescure and Kering CEO François-Henri Pinault.
Here is the full transcript of Ellison’s speech:
“Anytime you put me in the same category as Jane Fonda, a real legend, it feels surreal, perhaps even not deserved. I just want to say that I humbly accept this beautiful award on behalf of my team as well as the amazing filmmakers I’ve had the privilege to work with.
“I feel incredibly lucky to have been welcomed into this community, and that’s been the primary source of inspiration in my life; it has made me feel less alone in the world and for that I will always be grateful. I’m honored that I get to play a part and be able to contribute to support such artistic voices and there are so many that need to be heard, and am dedicated to continue this legacy of inspiring people through art.
“I don’t believe in very many things but art is definitely one of them, on the top of that list. Films and arts influence our culture in a way that many of us don’t understand or fully respect.
“Art doesn’t belong to the few but to the many and I believe that the perspective we’re putting out in the world should not come from such a small subset of people. It’s a disservice to us all.
“As Kurt Vonnegut said, ‘The arts are not a way to make a living. They are a very human way of making life more bearable,’ and that’s what I believe and that’s what I want to be a part of.”
Given that she’s produced a grand total of two features directed by women–ZERO DARK THIRTY and the largely-unseen WAKING MADISON–she’s a fine one to talk about supporting women filmmakers.
Bad Batch… Lily Amirpour… And another Kathryn Bigelow on deck.
Batch is not in prepro. It’s wrapped. Bigelow doesn’t trip up movies, she’ll proceed.
They’re in pre-production; a lot can happen between now and then. But kudos to her if they proceed as is.
Keep up the great work Megan! Much appreciation to you and David. Your parents and should be very proud of what you are doing, in how you are making a difference in our world with what you have been given. #hero Award well deserved.
Replying to elskes below – while technically correct about the context explaining the headline, the point remains the the quote itself is not limited to gender and remains a valid general sentiment. Coming from a billionaire’s daughter, if she truly means it to apply to all voices whose stories aren’t being told – not just women – that’s truly admirable and noteworthy.
Nice speech. Inaccurate headline.
Totally agree – where did that headline come from. Random.
Remember the context of this speech — she was awarded the Women in Motion award. Now read this portion of her speech again and you’ll understand:
“Art doesn’t belong to the few but to the many and I believe that the perspective we’re putting out in the world should not come from such a small subset of people. It’s a disservice to us all.”