The 2025 Cannes Film Festival began with a dramatic cloud over it as Gérard Depardieu, one of France’s most iconic film stars, was found guilty of sexually assaulting two women during the filming of The Green Shutters in 2021. The conviction sent shockwaves through the festival, a symbolic moment punctuated by media headlines declaring that cinema’s untouchable giants were falling. Jury president Juliette Binoche remarked that Depardieu was “no longer sacred,” highlighting a shift in how even legendary figures are now being held accountable.
Depardieu, 76, was handed an 18-month suspended prison sentence, fined €29,000, and added to France’s sex offenders register. While his lawyer has confirmed an appeal, this case marked the first time legal action was taken despite nearly 20 past accusations. Though his cinematic legacy remains, critics and commentators agree that his career is effectively over. Agnès C. Poirier observed that while he may still be viewed as one of the greats of the 20th century, the perception of his work has been permanently altered.
Cannes Confronts Its Legacy as #MeToo Movement Reshapes French Film Industry Norms
Depardieu’s connection to Cannes runs deep, winning best actor for Cyrano de Bergerac and using his influence behind the scenes. His last festival appearance was in 2015. His conviction is especially resonant here, the very place that helped launch him into global stardom. The irony wasn’t lost on the French press or those within the industry, as this legal development marked the symbolic collapse of a long-adored figure at the heart of French cinema.
Cannes 2025 Opens With Reckoning as Gérard Depardieu’s Conviction Redefines French Cinema’s LegacyThe festival has increasingly become a platform for #MeToo-related themes. Last year, Judith Godrèche premiered Moi Aussi, a powerful short film featuring hundreds of survivors standing in silence. This year, films by female directors are more prominent, such as The Sound of Falling, which delves into generational abuse. Actress Adèle Haenel, who previously left the industry citing systemic tolerance for predators, remains a potent symbol of the movement in France.
Recent high-profile cases have deeply influenced the tone of this year’s Cannes. These include the convictions of Christophe Ruggia and Dominique Pelicot, highlighting deep-rooted issues in French society. The French film world is being forced to confront its own history of abuse. The sentencing of such figures, once protected by their power, indicates a turning point where silence and complicity are no longer acceptable norms.
Generational Shift Challenges Power, Legacy, and Tolerance in France’s Evolving Film Industry
Culture Editor Eve Jackson observed that a profound change is underway. While France may have lagged behind Hollywood in addressing abuse, it is now catching up. Younger actors are becoming increasingly vocal about misconduct, and old hierarchical structures are being questioned. The conviction of Depardieu underscores a cultural transformation where authority and fame no longer shield individuals from consequences.
Despite progress, backlash and resistance persist. Notable figures like President Macron and actress Fanny Ardant defended Depardieu, while his lawyer used sexist rhetoric in court, accusing the victims of hysteria and feminist extremism. This drew sharp criticism from the judge and public, reflecting a generational divide in attitudes toward gender and accountability. Older defenders like Brigitte Bardot also drew ire for trivializing the seriousness of the charges.
Depardieu’s legacy is now subject to re-evaluation. While older generations remember him as a cinematic great, younger audiences are distancing themselves from his work and image. His downfall is emblematic of a broader reckoning within French culture, where reverence for artistic brilliance no longer excuses personal misconduct. The transformation is ongoing, but Cannes 2025 has cemented itself as a watershed moment in the country’s cultural conscience.