Long career, lots of applause
Juliette Binoche : Meryl, your face and your voice are part of our lives. You moved us, you raised us. When I see you on the screen, I see a movement going through you and that’s what being an actor is. Indeed, it is good that you do by your presence and that beauty comes to you. What passes through you for a moment is thought, energy, love and truth, where does all this come from? Of love ? Were you born the same way? What was your dream? I don’t know, but I know that you have this conviction within yourself, a conviction that allows me to believe in it. In 1978, in the television series Lowcoste, you were a beautiful person and open to feelings. In your speech against Joanna Cramer, you told the court that she needed to get her son back and stand up for her rights. You become the characters in an eloquent way.
In «The Devil Wears Prada», what a magnificent choice to portray a person who feels misunderstood and who is disinterested in playing games. You decided to modify the register of your voice to give it more authority while showing us the human side that was hidden there in this scene without makeup.
You said you wanted to embody women who were difficult or hard to understand. Your intelligence shines and your empathy for your character, which we always see. If the contributions of women in history remain too invisible, yours are not. You allowed us to laugh, to cry, to dream, to inspire. You are an international treasure, you have left your mark on the history of cinema. We can demonstrate your greatness as a dramatic actress.
I was able to see by watching your films that you accomplished your dreams, our dreams, and much more.
You’ve had an impact on the way we see women in the world of cinema and you’ve given us a new image of ourselves, but you don’t take yourself seriously. I see so much joy through you. You always have the opportunity to entertain yourself by singing. You have won us all over, congratulations to the new winner of the Palme d’Or «Meryl Streep».
Meryl Streep : Juliette Binoche, the beautiful Binoche. When I learned that you were going to present me with this Palme d’Or, I went crazy, because for several weeks, I have been watching your artistic life. I was fascinated and captivated by the cunning, fierce and infuriating Coco Chanel. I watched “Passion de Dodin Bouffant”, I was touched, I cried so much when you died. You have great talent, you are such a generous woman. I am also aware that it is very difficult to say and do it, I am delighted that you were able to act in this film.
I would first like to thank Thierry Frémaux and Iris Knobloch, as well as all those who contributed to the decision to bring me back to Cannes after an absence of 35 years. I am extremely grateful to this great artist “Juliette Binoche”. Being surprised is unique in the world of cinema, I feel very honored to receive this award. My agent, whom I consider young, reminded me that it is our 33rd anniversary of friendly cooperation. As well as my hairdresser, makeup artist, who has been responsible for the quality of my characters for half a century.
When I arrived in Cannes thirty-five years ago, I had three children. I was approaching forty and thought my career was over. At the time, that was a reasonable prediction for an actress. I am here tonight only because of the wonderful artists I have worked with, such as Madam President «Greta Gerwig» and my daughter. One day my mother said to me, «Meryl, my darling, you’ll see, everything goes by very quickly.» She was right, except for my speeches which are always long.
Thank you for this immense honor.
