The Deauville American Film Festival is preparing to roll out the red carpet once again, and this year’s 51st edition is shaping up to be an event filled with glamour, artistry, and tributes to legendary performers. Running from September 5 to September 14, the festival will celebrate the past, present, and future of cinema with a diverse lineup of honorees, premieres, and special events.
Among the most anticipated moments are tributes to Pamela Anderson, Kim Novak, and a special spotlight on Kristen Stewart, who will bring her directorial debut to the festival. Alongside these icons, rising stars and acclaimed filmmakers will also take center stage, making this edition one of the most exciting yet.
Pamela Anderson Honored with the Deauville Talent Award
Pamela Anderson, long known as a cultural icon, is experiencing a powerful career resurgence. After decades in the spotlight for both her acting and her activism, she will be honored on the opening night of the festival, September 5, with the Deauville Talent Award.
This prestigious award has previously been presented to stars such as Natalie Portman, Michelle Williams, and Michael Douglas. Now, Anderson joins their ranks, recognized not only for her career in film and television but also for her dedication to philanthropy and advocacy.
Her latest film, Paramount’s “Naked Gun” reboot, in which she stars opposite Liam Neeson, has already brought her back into mainstream conversation. Following her critically acclaimed comeback in The Last Showgirl last year, Anderson is keeping the momentum strong with a slate of intriguing projects from world-renowned directors.
Upcoming roles include:
- Rosebush Pruning by Karim Aïnouz
- Place to Be by Kornél Mundruczó
- Alma by Sally Potter
- Love Is Not the Answer, the feature directorial debut of Michael Cera
Anderson’s recognition at Deauville celebrates not only her performances but also her commitment to activism, particularly her work in animal rights and humanitarian causes.
Kim Novak: A Tribute to a Screen Legend
The festival will also pay tribute to one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars: Kim Novak. Best known for her haunting performance in Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo (1958), Novak remains a symbol of classic cinema.
On September 6, she will receive the Honorary Award during a special ceremony. The tribute will include screenings of her most celebrated films, such as Vertigo and Otto Preminger’s The Man with the Golden Arm.
The evening will also feature a screening of “Kim Novak’s Vertigo,” a documentary by Alexandre O. Philippe that explores the actress’s life, career, and cultural legacy. This tribute highlights not only Novak’s filmography but also her influence on generations of filmmakers and actors.
Notably, Novak will also be honored at the Venice Film Festival, underscoring the global recognition she continues to receive for her contributions to cinema.
Kristen Stewart Brings Her Directorial Debut
In a celebration of new voices in filmmaking, Kristen Stewart will attend Deauville to present her directorial debut, Chronology of Water. The film is based on Lidia Yuknavitch’s acclaimed memoir and has already attracted attention for Stewart’s bold move behind the camera.
The festival has given Stewart “carte blanche” to present a selection of her favorite films, allowing audiences to get a glimpse into the cinematic works that inspire her as both an actor and a filmmaker.
In addition, Stewart will take part in a live conversation event, supported by Chanel, where she will discuss her creative journey, career evolution, and experiences transitioning from acting to directing.
This makes Stewart’s appearance one of the festival’s most anticipated highlights, as she continues to evolve from Twilight star to one of the most respected and daring actors of her generation.
Premieres and Special Screenings
Alongside its star-studded tributes, Deauville will also host major film premieres that are expected to generate global buzz. Among them are:
- “The History of Sound” by Oliver Hermanus
- “The Mastermind” by Kelly Reichardt
- “Bugonia” by Yorgos Lanthimos
- “Nouvelle Vague” by Richard Linklater
In addition, the festival will screen Joachim Trier’s Cannes Grand Prix winner Sentimental Value, further cementing its reputation as a launching pad for critically acclaimed films.
Rising Stars and Jury Highlights
This year, the festival will also honor Zoey Deutch with the Hollywood Rising Star Award, recognizing her growing influence in Hollywood and her acclaimed role in Linklater’s Nouvelle Vague.
Meanwhile, Golshifteh Farahani, the Iranian actress known for her acclaimed performances in international films such as Alpha, will preside as the jury president for the festival. Her leadership will bring a unique perspective to the jury’s selections, reflecting the festival’s commitment to diverse voices.
A Festival That Blends Legacy and Innovation
The Deauville American Film Festival has long been celebrated for balancing Hollywood glamour with artistic integrity. By honoring icons like Pamela Anderson and Kim Novak, while also spotlighting emerging voices such as Kristen Stewart and Zoey Deutch, the festival continues its tradition of showcasing the past, present, and future of cinema.
This year’s event promises unforgettable tributes, world-class premieres, and intimate conversations that celebrate the transformative power of film.
As the festival runs from September 5 – 14, Deauville will once again reaffirm its status as one of the most influential cultural events in Europe.
Final Thoughts
From Pamela Anderson’s career tribute to Kim Novak’s timeless legacy, and from Kristen Stewart’s exciting directorial debut to the premieres of films by Lanthimos, Reichardt, and Linklater, the 51st Deauville American Film Festival is shaping up to be a cinematic celebration that bridges eras and genres.
With glamour, artistry, and meaningful conversations at its heart, this year’s festival is not only honoring film legends but also paving the way for the next generation of visionaries.