Not only is Blake Lively gorgeous — she’s also kind-hearted and socially conscious.
On Wednesday, the pregnant actress attended a photo call for “Cafe Society” held during the 2016 Cannes Film Festival.
The following day, Blake hit the red carpet at the “Cafe Society” press luncheon — where she criticized a rape joke made at actor Woody Allen’s expense during the opening ceremony.
Blake Lively’s hair blows in the wind as she leaves Nikky Beach restaurant in Cannes on May 12, 2016 (Credit: WENN / Radoslaw Nawrocki)
During the ceremony, French actor Laurent Lafitte said, “It’s very nice that you’ve [Woody Allen] been shooting so many movies in Europe, even if you are not being convicted for rape in the U.S.”
Blake took to an interview with Variety to voice her thoughts.
“I think any jokes about rape, homophobia, or Hitler is not a joke,” she said. “I think that was a hard thing to swallow in 30 seconds. Film festivals are such beautiful, respectful festivals of film and artists, and to have that it felt like it wouldn’t have happened if it was in the 1940s.
“I can’t imagine Fred Astaire and Bing Crosby going out and doing that,” she continued. “It was more disappointing for the artists in the room that someone was going up there making jokes about something that wasn’t funny.”
Blake Lively wears a gold Valentino dress while in France for the 2016 Cannes Film Festival (Credit: WENN / Radoslaw Nawrocki)
“Not in the room, but after the show, I was told that there were strong reactions,” veteran actor Laurent Lafitte told THR about the negative reaction to his Woody Allen joke.
“What I’ve learned only just this morning is that Woody Allen’s son made a statement yesterday with accusations [involving rape]. I didn’t know that. When I wrote this joke, it was more a joke about Europe and why one of the greatest American directors spent years in Europe, [while Allen] didn’t have to because he wasn’t accused of rape in his own country, compared to Roman Polanski. It was [meant] as a joke about American puritanism and the fact that it is surprising that an American director wants to do so many movies in Europe. I didn’t know about the other stuff,” he added.
Blake opted to wear a flowing gold dress from the Valentino Fall 2016 collection, which featured a frill of peplum up top and tiny crystals at the hem.
She styled the strappy frock with an abstract-print patent leather Christian Louboutin clutch and a pair of Jimmy Choo “Hesper” sandals from the brand’s Pre-Fall 2016 collection.
Blake Lively’s feet in strappy silver Jimmy Choo sandals (Credit: WENN / Radoslaw Nawrocki)
The classy “Hesper” sandals are handcrafted in Italy and feature slender, barely-there straps. They’re made of mirrored silver leather and supported by a slim stiletto heel.
You can order a pair in a wide range of colorways and heel sizes at Farfetch and Mytheresa.
Jimmy Choo ‘Hesper’ Ankle Strap Sandal, $695 – $795
Jimmy Choo’s Hesper sandal in black suede is the epitome of elegance
The criss-cross straps meet in a delicate buckle at the ankle, making this a classic yet stand-out sandal