Rhinestones, sequins… and a tribute. The city of Cannes took advantage of the film festival to honor Brigitte Bardot, who died in December 2025 at the age of 91. This Monday, May 18, Macé beach was renamed in his name. An icon of French cinema, Brigitte Bardot is also known for her long-standing commitment to the animal cause. In this continuity, the town hall has announced that the beach will be able to accommodate dogs at certain times, outside of the summer period.
Located a stone’s throw from the Palais des Festivals, between two private beaches, it becomes a symbolic place of the link between culture and commitment. To inaugurate this new name, a ceremony was held in the morning in the presence of several personalities, including the mayor of Cannes David Lisnard, the president of the festival Iris Knobloch, the general delegate Thierry Frémaux, as well as Bernard d’Ormale, widower of the actress and president of her foundation.
During his speech, David Lisnard paid tribute to the actress: “Brigitte Bardot embodied freedom: that of the woman, of her body, of her choices; that of a career over which she will always have retained control. It was revealed in Cannes, on the Croisette, where it was already sparking enthusiasm and making an impression.”.
– / AFP
French actress Brigitte Bardot plays with a dog on a beach in May 1955 during the Cannes Film Festival. (UPI Photo / AFP) / France only / FRANCE only
Died on December 28, 2025, Brigitte Bardot left her mark on French cinema, but also on public debates, with her sometimes controversial positions on social issues. The Cannes Film Festival continues until May 23. The Palme d’Or will be awarded at the end of the competition by a jury chaired this year by South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook.
