Michael Douglas reflects on meeting Catherine Zeta-Jones at Deauville Film Festival
A memorable encounter at Deauville
Michael Douglas took a nostalgic trip down memory lane as he received a career tribute at the 50th anniversary of the Deauville American Film Festival. The event, which kicked off with a grand opening night, saw Douglas reminiscing about his first encounter with his now-wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, back in 1998.
Introduced on stage by his “Franklin” co-star Ludivine Sagnier, Douglas received a long-standing ovation from the audience. Speaking partly in French, he shared his fond memories of the festival and the “slight issue of Catherine.”
“I had just seen ‘Zorro’ three weeks before coming to the festival. Mon Dieu!” Douglas joked. “When I arrived to support our film, ‘Perfect Murder,’ I noticed ‘Zorro’ was scheduled for the next night. I asked my assistant to find out if Catherine Zeta-Jones was coming, and if she was alone, could I have a drink with her. The rest is history.”
A festival favorite
This marks Douglas’s fifth visit to the Deauville Film Festival, his last being in 2013 to present “My Life with Liberace.” Receiving this career tribute is particularly poignant as it comes 25 years after his late father, Kirk Douglas, was also honored at Deauville with a posthumous retrospective in 2020.
Reflecting on his career’s longevity, Douglas, who attended the festival solo, exclaimed, “55 years! You work as hard on your failures as you do on your successes. A writer writes with a pen or a computer, a painter paints, a musician plays an instrument, but with film, you have an army.”
The essence of success
Douglas attributes his career success to his belief in good material rather than focusing solely on his role. “I would rather have a small part in a good movie than a big role in a bad movie,” he said. His speech followed a montage of clips from his most iconic roles, including “Wall Street,” “Fatal Attraction,” “Basic Instinct,” “The Game,” “Falling Down,” and “Traffic.”
“I want to thank all the wonderful talented craftsmen I’ve worked with over the years—my directors, fellow actors, producers, costume designers,” Douglas continued.
A special place in Deauville
Douglas is so cherished in Deauville that one of the most beautiful suites at the five-star Royal Hotel is named after him, along with a bungalow on the beach. He mentioned feeling lucky to stay in his own suite, decorated with photos from all the movies he’s starred in.
Honoring other talents
As previously announced, Natalie Portman, Michelle Williams, and Sebastian Stan will also be celebrated during the 50th edition. Portman and Williams will receive the Deauville Talent Award for their career achievements, while Stan will be honored with the Hollywood Rising Star Award.
New beginnings and fresh faces
This year marks the inaugural edition under new artistic director Aude Hesbert, who recently joined the festival from Los Angeles, where she headed the French film and TV residency program Villa Albertine. The festival has also enlisted new sponsors such as Canal+ and launched a new prize, the Prix Nouvelle Génération, awarded to director Malia Ann for her first short film, “The Heart.” The latter screened on opening night before “Lee Miller,” Ellen Kuras’s biopic of the pioneering photographer played by Kate Winslet.
A personal reflection
For cinema enthusiasts, the Deauville Film Festival is more than just a celebration of films; it’s a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the magic of the silver screen. Michael Douglas’s reflections remind us of the serendipitous moments that can change lives and careers. His journey, marked by iconic roles and memorable performances, is a beacon of inspiration for aspiring actors and filmmakers.
As we look forward to the future of cinema, festivals like Deauville continue to play a crucial role in honoring the past while embracing new talents and innovative storytelling. Whether you’re a fan of classic films or eager to discover the next big thing, the Deauville Film Festival offers a unique blend of nostalgia and anticipation.
For more information and to watch trailers of the mentioned movies, visit the following links:
- Zorro
- Perfect Murder
- My Life with Liberace
- Wall Street
- Fatal Attraction
- Basic Instinct
- The Game
- Falling Down
- Traffic
- Lee Miller
For music enthusiasts, explore the soundtracks and scores of these iconic films on Music Beep.