Filipina-Kiwi actress Franki Russell made a stunning appearance as she debuted at the Cannes Film Festival red carpet premiere of the film Rumour, starring Cate Blanchett and Alicia Vikander, on May 18, 2024. 

Franki Russell walked alongside the legendary and Academy Award-winning actress Cate Blanchett, along with the entire cast. The film Rumour, which Russell attended, received a four-minute standing ovation from the festival audience. 

“I still can’t believe that I am finally standing and walking on the iconic red carpet of the Cannes Film Festival. It’s a dream for every actress to be part of such a gathering of like-minded and creative communities. This moment is so special to me,” said Franki Russell. 

This is Franki Russell’s debut at the Cannes Film Festival. 

She is wearing a classic white ensemble with delicate and ethereal petal patterns, creating a whimsical and romantic look by the international Filipino label, Chynna Mamawal Atelier, by Chynna Mamawal. 

“I want to thank the incredibly talented Chynna Mamawal for crafting a masterpiece to bring out my inner glamour and confidence, my team, and Yugen PR for arranging this unforgettable Cannes Film Festival red carpet experience,” said Russell. 

In recent history, Russell’s recent movie on Netflix, “Wish You Were the One,” became the Top 1 Most Watched Film in the Philippines for several consecutive weeks.

“I wanted to take my acting career to the next level and bring pride to both of my roots — the Philippines and New Zealand. I wanted to reach a global audience and the Cannes Film Festival is the perfect avenue to connect with wider audiences,” said Russell. 

Franki Russell is one of only a few Filipina actresses who have attended the Cannes Film Festival red carpet to date, alongside Kylie Verzosa. 

Russell also shared a five-minute moment with pop star and actress Selena Gomez at the red carpet premiere of Gomez’s film “Emilia Perez,” which also premiered at the same venue. 

“Russell also shared a moment with pop star and actress Selena Gomez at the red carpet premiere of Gomez’s film “Emilia Perez,” which also premiered at the same venue. “I was so happy to see my teenage girl crush, Selena Gomez. We spoke about the successful premiere of her film, and I told her how beautiful she was. She said I was beautiful also, which made my heart so happy,” shares Russell.“