PARIS — Isabelle Huppert has had more than 20 films presented at the Cannes Film Festival over her career, but this year she will be in the role of a lifetime.
The French actress has been named godmother of this year’s Trophée Chopard, following in the footsteps of Demi Moore and Julia Roberts.
Huppert will present this year’s honors to emerging talents Odessa A’zion and Connor Swindells.
“Isabelle Huppert has been a longtime friend of the maison, and our bond is rooted in a deep artistic affinity,” said Chopard copresident and artistic director Caroline Scheufele. “Her role as godmother of the Trophée Chopard felt entirely natural to me, as we share the same belief in transmission, mentorship and the importance of championing emerging talent.”
“I am thrilled,” Huppert said. “This award honors that fragile, exhilarating moment when a career is still being shaped — a time of intuition, courage and freedom. Supporting emerging actors means supporting the future of cinema itself.”
“Jingle Bell Heist” star Swindells rose to prominence through his role in Netflix’s “Sex Education” and has since built a diverse filmography spanning period drama, indie film and major studio movies, including appearances in “Emma” and “Barbie.” He will next appear in Ruben Östlund’s “The Entertainment System Is Down” alongside Keanu Reeves and Kirsten Dunst.
“It’s not just recognition, but a reminder of the people and moments that have shaped my career so far. To receive it at the Cannes Film Festival, a place where cinema is so deeply celebrated, makes it feel even more special,” said Swindells. “It’s something I’ll carry with me as I continue to grow and keep chasing the kind of work I believe in.”
Connor Swindells
Tom Mitchell / Courtesy of Chopard
A’zion has made a splash across film and television, most recently appearing in “Marty Supreme” alongside Timothée Chalamet and Gwyneth Paltrow, with her performance earning industry recognition including SAG Actor Award and BAFTA nominations.
Her recent work includes a role in Rachel Sennott’s series “I Love LA.” She’ll next appear in “Mother Courage” alongside Naomi Watts and Sarah Paulson.
The Trophée Chopard has a strong track record. Among the award’s alumni is Jessie Buckley, who received the Trophée Chopard in 2021 and went on to win an Oscar earlier this year.
Other winners include Marion Cotillard, Adèle Exarchopoulos and Gael García Bernal. Several former laureates, including Cotillard and Diane Kruger, have returned to Cannes as godmothers themselves, reinforcing the award’s emphasis on mentorship and continuity.
Chopard is an official partner of the festival, designing the coveted Palme d’Or. The black-tie ceremony will take place on May 15, during the Trophée Chopard dinner as part of the official festival program.
