Lord of the Rings actress Cate Blanchett left many divided during her appearance on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet as she debuted her Jean Paul Gaultier dress which fans have pointed out may have featured a subtle pro-Palestine nod.
Attending the festival on Monday, the movie star appeared to express her solidarity with the Palestinian cause by incorporating the colours of the national flag in with her dress.
She walked the carpet ahead of the film The Apprentice – a highly-anticipated docudrama about the early life of former US president Donald Trump – and donned a Haider Ackermann for Jean Paul Gaultier spring 2023 haute couture bustier gown.
The floor-length piece featured a black satin front with emerald silk lining on the inside of the dress, with the back of the dress being lined with a subtle shade of light pink.
Its strapless neckline was purposefully left to look unfinished, adding in a Louis Vuitton shoulder necklace that ran across the length of her shoulders.
In October, Blanchett was among 55 Hollywood stars who signed an open letter to President Joe Biden urging for a ceasefire in Gaza and Israel.
Cate stunned on the carpet with her Jean Paul Gaultier dress
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She urged the European Parliament to challenge the “dangerous myth” that every refugee is “headed to Europe” and previously said: “I am not Syrian. I am not Ukrainian. I am not Yemeni. I am not Afghani. I am not from South Sudan.
“I am not from Israel or Palestine. I’m not a politician. I am not even a pundit. But I am a witness. And having witnessed the human cost of war, violence and persecution, visiting refugees from across the globe, I cannot look away.
“I urge each and every one of you here today to stand firm in challenging the dangerous myth pedalled far too widely and stoking far too much fear and hostility that each and every refugee is headed here to Europe.”
As the images of her dress circulated on social media, many fans believed the gesture was part of her opportunity to make a pertinent political statement, as one X user noted: “She has always been my favourite actress… Cate Blanchett: ‘Neutrality is no longer an option’.”
Many suggested that Cate wore her dress in solidarity for Palestine
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Another said: “When I grow up I want to become Cate Blanchett and have the subtlety to think the carpet is already red, so I can just wear a black and white dress with green lining to make such a strong point.”
“Obsessed with how gorgeous, elegant yet dramatic this Cannes look of Cate Blanchett was this year,” a third noted before another expressed: “In solidarity with the Palestinian cause and denouncing the war on Gaza.. Australian international actress Cate Blanchett wears a dress in the colours of the Palestinian flag.”
A fifth praised: “Big shoutout to the most amazing, gorgeous, and brilliant Cate Blanchett for being the true Queen of our hearts. Now I understand why.”
However, some were left unsure about her decision as one penned: “I guess it’s cool that Cate Blanchett wore that dress at Cannes but there are a BILLION more obvious ways those with massive power could express their support for Palestine.” (sic)Blanchett also left many divided when she described herself as “middle class” despite her staggering $95million net worth.
Cate Blanchett attended the Cannes Film Festival on Monday
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Speaking during a press panel at the festival, she noted the importance of giving refugee filmmakers space to tell their stories.
The 55-year-old acknowledged her privileged position but added: “I’m white, I’m privileged, I’m middle class and I think one can be accused of having a bit of a white saviour complex.”