The Academy Awards

Yesterday, director Brett Ratner resigned from his position as producer of the Oscars after he made an offensive homophobic remark. Ratner was signed on by the Academy to save the Oscar awards from poor ratings and hired Eddie Murphy as the host. Now it seems Eddie will have to walk away as well.

It seems that Ratner at a screening of “Tower Heist”, made a statement while talking about rehearsals. “Rehearsal is for f*gs,” he supposedly said. A soon to be regretable statement. Ratner later apologised saying it was a ‘dumb way’ of expressing himself.

So, as excited as I was about Eddie Murphy hosting the Oscars I now have to rethink watching the show since for the past few years I have not been overly enthusiastic about the hosts or the nominees.

On the Carpet - Summer 2011

The 12th annual Art for Life red carpet gala entitled "The Zen for Giving" was held at Russell Simmons' East Hampton Estate July 30, 2011. Honorees were Mary J. Blige, actor Edward Norton, Tamara Mellon (CEO of Jimmy Choo (yummy shoes)), among others. The benefit reportedly raised $1.7 million and counting. Art for Life is the fundraising benefit of the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation founded by Russell, Danny and Joseph "Rev. Run" Simmons, to benefit arts education and programs serving 2,300 New York students each year.

Next up is Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week September 8-15, 2011. The red carpet will roll out at the Lincoln Center Damrosch Park for all the stars and starlets looking for the perfect drop-dead outfit for the upcoming movie and music awards red carpet season. Featured designers this season are Diane Von Furstenberg, DKNY, Michael Kors, Donna Karan, Monique Lhuillier (saw her fall 2011 show in February, WOW), Tommy Hilfiger, Carolina Herrera, Derek Lam, just to name a few. Mercedes Benz Fashion Week shows are open by invitation only to industry people and the press. A-list celebrities are invited to sit down front at the shows to attract the press.

The week opens with Fashion Night Out NYC September 8. This is the third Fashion Night Out collaboration between New York City, Vogue and the CFDA. The popularity of Fashion Night Out is now national and held in some major American cities as well as globally in European cities including Rome and Milan, Italy.

Another big red carpet moment will be held September 26th in New York. "An Evening of Many Cultures Gala" will take place at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, honoring Samuel L. and LaTanya Jackson, Robert and Grace Hightower DeNiro. Other honorees are forthcoming.

As the red carpet season progresses, I will keep you abreast of all the happenings and any red carpet events that I am lucky enough to attend.

Blog you soon,

June Bug

Day 12 - Dismantling the Red Carpet 2011

The Red Carpet Cannes

Today is my last day in Cannes and I took a walk down the Croisette this morning to the Palais and watched as they began dismantling the red carpet on the stairs.  Funny what a difference a day makes.  All the excitement of the past eleven days reconciled to a crew of men ripping up red carpet from the stairway that so many spent countless hours marching with unabated excitement.

I walked back to the Carleton for breakfast on the terrace overlooking the Mediterranean.  No longer is the bay filled with yachts of unknown millionaires and billionaires, just beautful blue water and cloudless blue skies.  My friends Fileena and Joanne joined me on the terrace and we reminenced about our time in Cannes and all the screenings we attended and the excitement of walking on the red carpet.  We finished breakfast and spent the rest of the afternoon at our favorite spot in the Carleton Lounge until it was time for me to head back to Nice.  I was in the Ladies Lounge when a French woman asked me if I was "Madame DeNiro."  Being surprised by the question I hesitated because I wasn't sure if I heard her correctly and then told her no.  How interesting is it that my first day in Cannes began with me actually running into DeNiro in the Majestic Barrierre Hotel Lobby and ended with someone asking if I was his wife in the Carleton Hotel Lobby Lounge.   Cest la vie.

Day 11 - Festival de Cannes - Closing Ceremony

Office Poster

Today was the final day of the Festival de Cannes. The closing ceremony was held at the Palais de Festival and the winners were announced.

The jury prize went to the film Polisse directed my Mahwenn who was in tears during her entire acceptance speech. Best actress went to Kirsten Dunst for her role in Melancholya, Best Director Nicholas Winding Refn for the film Drive starring Ryan Gosling (my favorite), Best Picture and the Palme D'Or went to The Tree of Life starring Brad Pitt.

Presenters included Jane Fonda, Rosario Dawson and Faye Dunaway.

The beach clubs and all the festival venues are already being dismantled and Cannes will return to a normal French Riviera town (I am sure the residents will be happy). To witness how this small place handles the enormity of the film festival is amazing. The sheer number of people who inhabit Cannes during this 10 day period must be a daunting task. Yet everyone remains polite and charming.

This years festival was one of the best experiences I have had in Cannes and I am glad I got the chance to share it with my blog On the Carpet. I don't know if anyone other than my sisters Fannie and Rashida followed it but they were enthusiastic and made it a lot of fun.

So until next year when I return to Cannes, hopefully fully accredited and with less sore feet

Signing off from my bed

June Bug

Day 10 - Cannes Film Festival 2011

Things are winding down in Cannes in some respects. A lot of people have left and others are getting ready to leave. My feet left me days ago because they could not take it anymore. I feel like I am walking on stumps (ouch). The lifts on my heels are stubs and are making that clacking noise (you know that click clack sound). Anyway, enough about my feet.

I skipped the screenings today because I needed some time just to chill and contemplate all that has happened these past 10 days. I stopped by the Carleton lounge to surf the Internet, sat next to Ivana while she was being interviewed and met a nice person from Chicago who stumbled upon the festival. She just arrived last night and had no idea what the festival is like and said it was her first time In southern France even though she travels to Paris a couple times a year. The other most amazing thing is that she is staying at the Carleton and I am at the Croisette Beach next door and our balconies are right across from each other. We figured that out from the view that we each have from our balcony. We also talked about how much we love France and our perspective is exactly the same. What a small world we live in.

Tomorrow the festival winners will be announced and the closing ceremony will take place. Last year I met the winner of the Camera D'Or, Michael Rowe from Mexico. I wonder what this one will bring.

Signing off from off the carpet

June Bug

Day 9 Cannes Film Festival 2011

Sean Penn and wife On The Red Carpet Cannes

Sean Penn in a scene from his movie This Must Be the Place

Poster for the movie Drive starring Ryan Gosling

Okay my feet are even worse than yesterday. We did two red carpet screenings again today. The Sean Penn movie "This Must Be The Place" which was very weird and I still haven't figured it out. I was able to get a ticket at the last minute.

Got a ticket also for the Ryan Gosling movie "Drive". Ryan turned the Cannes audience out. This movie has graphic violence but his performance is mesmerizing. The audience gave them a 10 minute standing ovation at the end. His director Nicholas Winding Refn kissed him on the lips he was so excited. This might take the audience award because the audience loved it. They applauded every time he put someone out of their misery, you will have to see it too understand.

For everyone who has never been to Cannes you have to try and put this on your bucket list because the energy here is unbelievable for anyone who loves good movies. This is where they make their debut and they are not your traditional commercial movies. It's for real filmmakers and actors who love their craft. All I can say is Vive la France for creating this wonderful outlet.

On the party side it is 10 days of nothing but parties on the beach, on yachts, in hotels, in cafe's, restaurants and on the street. For fashionistas you can get your groove on everyday and not feel intimidated by people who don't understand fashion. For podiatrist, your customer base could be enormous. For car enthusiast, it can be like dying and going to heaven. You will not find anywhere else in the world the number of rare and fantastic automobiles in one small space. For yachting enthusiast, sail on because the harbor and both marinas are filled with every kind of yacht you can imagine.

The closing ceremony will be held on Sunday night, the winners will be chosen and the process starts again for next year. In am a Red Carpet Pro and I love it.

From the red carpet

June Bug

Day 8 - Cannes Film Festival 2011

Poster for The Skin I Live In starring Antonio Banderas

Post Screening of the Japanese Film Ichimei at the Palais de Festival

I am starting to get swollen feet from walking the red carpet at Cannes. Today, Day 8 of the festival I walked the red carpet for both screenings. The Pedro Almodovar film starring Antonio Banderas "La Piel Que Habito (The skin I Live In)" was an amazing film with an interesting storyline, one that I would never have guessed. This is a must see movie for real movie fans who enjoy a good story which does not have a cliche ending.

The second screening was the Japanese entry in competition "Ichimei" the story of a samurai done in 3D. Did not think I would like it in the beginning but ended up enjoying it.

I also had another celebrity citing other than the ones on the red carpet. I was in my favorite lounge at the Carleton when Ivana Trump strolled past. I must say she looked amazing. There is something to be said for money. She is much taller and thinner than I imagined. The dress was a knockout. A figure hugging silver number with a train. She was probably on the way to the AMFAR Party at the Hotel Du Cap in Antibes one of the biggest parties held during the festival. Strictly for the rich and famous. I have not reached that level "yet" but you know me, try, try till you succeed and with patience anything is possible.

Anywho, stay tuned as there are only two more days to go and Festival de Cannes 2011 will be over. Can't wait to see the winners.

Signing off

June Bug

Friday, Day 9 of the festival we are trying to get invitations to see Drive starring Brian Gosling

I am totally over the badass car in Cannes. I have seen more Rolls, Bentleys, Lamborghini's and Ferrari's than should be allowed in one place. Not to mention that people drive crazy on the narrow streets of Cannes. Makes Boston drivers look like wimps.

Day 7 Cannes Film Festival 2011

Feleena and Joanna Bahris at Nikki Beach Cannes

Hello all my blogger fans.  I am still adding to my bucket list all the things I planned to do this year during the festival.  I have successfully walked the red carpet three times for three screenings and ran into three major stars.  Just a few minutes ago while sitting in the Carleton Lounge, Brad Pitt literally walked right past my chair.  Brad's movie, 'The Tree of Life', is in competition for the Palme d'Or and is touted to be in the lead to win this year.  The carpet has really been out for me this year. 

I hung out with my friends Fileena and Joanne from Hawaii.  Fileena is an actress with quite a few movies under her belt.  She also makes wonderful jewelry and has made jewelry for many stars including Halle Berry.  She's a Leo with a full mane of red hair and a personality to fit every bit of it.  We drank champagne at Nikki Beach this evening and acted up for the house photograher.  Must say he got some really good shots of us.  We couldn't make up our mind which ones to get so we took pictures of the proof page with our phone cameras.  If we remember before leaving Cannes we will try to get a copy of our favorites.  We also convinced the receptionist to give us access cards to all of Nikki Beach happenings while here in Cannes.  We got a White Card and a Black Card which gives access to everything.

I also ran into another actress at Nikki from LA who was going gaga over my jewelry.  I must say all of my jewelry has been making quite a splash here in Cannes.  People are literally walking up to me and touching it.  Some of it is my Monies and Manouk and some are other pieces I have picked up over the years.  The actress from LA said she is looking for a stylist and exchanged cards with me.

Miranda is a real estate broker in Cannes and has been hooking me up with locals who can help me connect with places to get clothes and shoes that  I might confiscate for clients.  She is home with no voice today.  She is a Scorpio and talked a mile a minute while we were having lunch.

Jodi Foster directed and starring in the movie 'The Beaver' with Mel Gibson is also in competition this year and is slated to roll down the carpet Wednesday evening.  Mel has been called on the carpet a lot over the past few years so this one down the red carpet will probably be a lot easier for him.

From the carpet and signing off,

June Bug

Day 6 Cannes Film Festival 2011

Poster from Film The Tree of Life with Brad Pitt

Brangelina on the Red Carpet Cannes

Day 6 has the biggest star power so far.  Little more than an hour ago Brad and Angelina made their way down the red carpet along with Sean Penn and Jude Law who are also in attendance for the screening.  There were helicopters flying over Le Croissette.  Brad and Angelina always arrive from their yacht via helicopter.  Brad is here for the screening of his new film The Tree of Life at the Palais de Festival.

Brangelina on the Red Carpet Stairs at the Palais de Festival Cannes

If you really want to see craziness,  just let Brad and Angelina show up some place.  People are falling all over themselves.  Angelina looked beautiful in a navy almost aubergine gown.  I think she is comfortable here in France since French is part of her heritage and where she chose to buy a home here on the Cote d'Azur.

The Cote d'Azur has the most wonderful food, wine, weather and atmosphere of any place I have traveled and I can't get enough of it.  Beautiful beaches, beautiful people and a beautiful language all wrapped up in one package.  The Festival is just one of those things that add to the allure.

Just got a text message from one of my new acquaintances that he just passed Kanye West on the Croissette near the Carleton.  He is giddy that Kanye actually said Hi to him.  Well maybe not giddy but excited never -the- less.

The Jean Paul Gaultier Party is tonight at Nikki Beach on La Terrasse.  I don't think I will make that one because it will be starting late and I have to get back to Nice before they stop all my connections.

Til next time

June Bug

Day 4 and 5 Cannes Film Festival 2011

Scene for Pirate of the Caribbean

Fumi Desalu-Vold

John Depp and Penelope Cruz on the the Red Carpet

Evelyn Wheeler and Fumi Desalu-Vold

Okay, so I am not keeping my promise to blog everyday, but I told you before hand that I might not get around to it because Cannes is too much of a party to spend at a computer. 

Day 4 was a big day On the Carpet because of the Pirates of the Caribbean 3 or 4 or whatever, so Johnny Depp caused a stir along with his co¨star Penelope Cruz.  Cannes can be crazy when the big stars show up on the carpet.  It is almost impossible to walk down Le Croissette. 

I got invited to a party by one of my new friends Miranda to meet some of her clients but missed  it because of an internet glitch and my France phone has been receiving text messages but will not allow me to send texts to anyone.  So I had to resort to my old phone from last year which has no backlight so I cannot see what I am texting very well.  (Something is trying to mess with my progress here.)  I also just got a message from Miranda telling me about meeting some other people who might be interested in my Red Carpet Productions and saying that De Niro invited us to a boat party.  Have not been able to contact her and I am really getting more and more upset with my internet connection.  (Can we say p???ed.)

Day 5 shaped up to be interesting as well.  Yolonda's Symposium was a big success and had  a good turnout.  It was also very informative for young filmmakers.  Good job Yolonda. 

After the seminar I went to Nikki Beach (my favorite hangout) and ended up at the table next to Kanye West who was hanging out with some of his friends.  He was really very cool.

As I was leaving Nikki I ran into my friends Fileena and Joanne from Hawaii for the first time since I arrived in Cannes. Fileena gave me a beautiful pair of earrings that she made especially for me. (gotta love that girl). We hung out for a while before I had to head back to Nice.

Feleena Bahris and Evelyn Wheeler at Nikki Beach Club Cannes

So my Cannes adventure has been very interesting so far this year and On the Red Carpet is turning out to be quite a rug.

Til next time (whenever)

June Bug

Day 3 Cannes Film Festival 2011

Today was a Nikki Beach day. On my way to Nikki from the SNCF I met Nic Davis from Montana who is currently producing a documentary in Spain. It is his first time in Cannes and we struck up a conversation while we walked to the Croisette. I told him I was heading to Nikki and he asked if he could join me. The documentary Nic is producing is based on the concept of asking people what would they do if told they only had seven days to live. He asked me and I couldn't come up with an answer at the time. Funny I still can't come up with a definitive answer because there are so many things I would love to do. I guess I would have to create a list in order of preference. Seven days isn't a long time. Traveling to some of the places I would like to see would take up one full day alone. So if traveling isn't an option what else would you do? I would love to hear some of your comments. Don't forget to comment at the end of this blog.

Day 2 Cannes Film Festival May 12, 2011

Evelyn Wheeler, Inside the Palais de Festival

Yolanda Brinkley inside the Palais de Festival

Poster for We Need to Talk About Kevin

Poster for Sleeping Beauty

Today has been a big day for me On the Carpet. Walked the carpet twice in one evening. Saw the film "Sleeping Beauty" an Australian film directed by Julia Leigh in competition for the Camera D'Or . A very intriguing film about a university student who takes a job as a sleeping beauty to fund her studies. Can't tell you much more because it will ruin it for you in case you want to see it.

Stars who turned up for this screening included Jimon Hounsou (didn't see Kemora anywhere, hmmm)

The second screening was a film in competition for the Palme D'Or "We need to talk about Kevin" also a woman director named Lynne Ramsay. This is a very emotional and sad film, very cleverly filmed in a past/present format. Should be a leader for the Award and it's time for a woman to win the Palme.

Stopped in at my favorite hangout Nikki Beach Club and discovered my favorite waiter has moved to the new Nikki Beach Club in Las Vegas.

Stay tuned,

June Bug

Day 1 - Cannes Film Festival-May 11, 2011

Okay I finally have Internet connection. For a minute I thought my blogging days were over before I got started. I am in Nice heading over to Cannes for opening day of the Cannes Film Festival 2011. On the red carpet tonight will be the stars of Woody Allen's new movie "Midnight In Paris" starring Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates and the first lady of France, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy.

Met Yolanda Brinkley my Facebook Friend for the first time today. We met at the Hotel Majestic Barriere on the Croisette. While we we standing at the elevator Robert DeNiro walked in with his security. We made eye contact and I got a picture of him with my phone camera while he was waiting for the elevator. His security said I wasn't suppose to take pictures inside the hotel, but Robert didn't seem to mind. Miranda, Yolanda's landlord in Cannes was also there and she joked that Deniro was really staring at me and probably thought I was Naomi Campbell. We laughed about it for quite a while.

Yolanda took me to the accreditation office to get my film festival package. I was able to get everything except a ticket to the first screening of Midnight in Paris. Oh well c'est la vie.

Stay tuned for all the news from Cannes each day of the festival.

June Bug

Cannes Film Festival 2011

This year is the 64th year for the Festival de Cannes , the premiere film festival in the world. If you have never had the pleasure of visiting Cannes for any reason, the film festival is a good reason to go. The electricity surrounding the festival and the star power that it attracts dwarfs in comparison any of the other film festivals. This year will be my eleventh attendance at Cannes and already I am throbbing with anticipation.

Stay tuned here at June Bug for updates every day during the festival May 11 thru May 22, 2011.