CANNES!

Made it home from Cannes hopeful that the Lakers would turn around their series with Oklahoma but their post season ended last night.

I had a great time at Cannes this year. Those of you who followed my Twitter and Facebook accounts were able to see my behind-the-scenes and red carpet photos. I can’t tell you how much fun it is for me to be able to share these unique, bird’s eye view moments, and how moved I am always to read your comments.

One of the best parts of Cannes this year has been getting to know Eva Longoria, Paz Vega, and Freida Pinto my fellow L’Oreal brand ambassadors. Such smart, wonderful, interesting women. I’m flattered to be in such great company. I also got to know Jean-Jacques and Isabelle Lebel, VP of L’Oreal, the parent company, and his wife. We had a lot of laughs together. Isabelle told me I had a “European mentality.” Not sure what that means but she meant it as a compliment and I took it as such. It must come from having lived there so long. The last evening, after the red carpet, the Lebels and I went to a fundraiser for Pla Net Finance. Started by the most interesting Jacques Attali, it gives loans to poor women in 30 countries to start businesses. Something as small a a sewing machine, a cow, a pump, can alter the lives of families and communities. That same night, Sean Penn’s gala for Haiti raises several million dollars. So you see, amidst all the glamour and frivolity, good things were done by good people for deserving and needy people elsewhere in the world.

As a brand ambassador for L’Oreal, we attend certain festival events, pose for numerous glam photos, conduct press interviews (I do mine in French, which means I need a day when I arrive to get over jet lag and prepare!) and shoot promotional material. Some of the days can start early and last well into the night. There’s a room in which the “Dream Team” of make-up artists, hair stylists, manicurists work from sun up to midnight getting all of us ready. It takes a village. It’s fun because all of us brand ambassadors we get to talk and see each other in every stage of makeup (or lack thereof). All of us are lucky enough to work with the talented designer and stylist Michael Angel who selected stunning gowns for our red carpet appearances. Mine were Versace, Stella McCartney and Cavali. We can oooh and ahh each other as we pass in the fitting rooms. His assistant, Moises, is an angel as well. We goofed off between working and had a blast. I miss them. We will remain friends, just as Eva, Paz and Freida will. And Fan Bing Bing said I can call her when and if I go to China. She’s the only one who has all her glam done by her own people in her own rooms.

It was a whirlwind, I was in and out this year, arriving before the official start of the festival and leaving just as things really began to pick up. The photos from my hotel room show a sleepy resort beach town one day and a crowded frenzy the next. I started to use the video camera on my phone too, sometimes upside down, or on when I thought it was off, but I swear I’m getting the hang of it and will share what I can soon. In the meantime enjoy the photos! And think of me, happy to be home and reunited with Richard and Tulea.

With fellow L'Oreal brand ambassadors Eva Longoria & Freida Pinto

My bed at the Hotel Martinez

Francois Holland becoming France's new President. I'm watching Tv in my room

First night, dinner with friends at Les Meres Besson. Me opposite Roger Friedman as well as my friend, Laura Rister, Danielle Pelland, Jessica Piech, and Jason Lord.

With designer and stylist Micheal Angel before my first day of press.

Fitting for the evenings red carpet. I loved this Versace gown!

Ready to go! With Freida Pinto and Micheal Angel

A quick snapshot of the nice looking crowd out my car window on the way to the evenings event.

With Stephane and Charlotte who will do my hair and makeup.

Luncheon at Eden Roc with Isabelle and Jean Jacques Lebel, the President of L'Oreal Consumer Products. I enjoyed spending time with them.

At Eden Roc Jean Paul Belmondo, the beloved French actor (he was a boxer for awhile before becoming an actor) and his beautiful wife.

This is a poster of me taken 4 years ago when I presented the Palme d'Or for best film.

Another poster of me taken in 1989 when I was at the festival with Gregory Peck with our film "Gringo Viejo" at the festival

View of the pool from my room

View of La Croisette before the official start of the festiville

A second and much busier view of La Croisette as the festival gets underway.

Yachts arriving for the festival.

Freida Pinto in Versace

In my final red carpet gown this one by Roberto Cavalli. With Michael Angel and Moises

Having Fun!