Julianne Moore calls out Hollywood bias In fiery Cannes speech

Julianne Moore delivered a fiery and emotional speech in Cannes that left the star-studded crowd both cheering and reflecting.

The 65-year-old Oscar-winning actress was honoured with the 2026 Kering Women in Motion award at the Place de la Castre during the Cannes Film Festival, in recognition of her four-decade career and her outspoken advocacy for gender equality in film.

But it was her no-holds-barred acceptance speech that stole the spotlight.

“I f****** love actresses,” Julianne declared, drawing gasps and laughter from the audience packed with Hollywood heavyweights including Demi Moore, Ruth Negga and Vicky Krieps, alongside past winners Salma Hayek Pinault and Isabelle Huppert.

Boogie Nights star didn’t hold back as she challenged Hollywood’s long-standing bias. 

She said there is still a damaging belief that women’s stories are “smaller” or less worthy unless they mirror traditionally male-driven narratives.

“That’s untrue,” she insisted, calling for a major shift in how female-led stories are written, funded and marketed.

The Still Alice actress, who has recently earned acclaim for May December, also spoke passionately about the importance of recognising women’s perspectives in everyday life as well as on screen.

She said that she is constantly surrounded by strong female influence in her personal and professional world.

Julianne also questioned why women are often described as “invisible” in society, adding she is “curious” about where that idea comes from and who it really serves.

Closing her powerful address, she urged the industry to take action rather than just talk, “We need more female voices, more writers, more directors, more actresses to carry that vision forward.”

Her speech earned a standing ovation, cementing her moment as one of the festival’s most talked-about highlights.

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