Maybe nostalgia's not what it used to be, but Moving Pictures begs to differ. During this year's festival we will be asking influential industry figures to reflect on their experiences, the last 51 years of Cannes, and life in general.
Best known as Major 'Hot Lips' Houlihan, actress Sally Kellerman has been a regular visitor to Cannes over the years. As part of the cast of Robert Altman's M*A*S*H - for which she received an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actress - Kellerman was on hand in 1970 for the film's world premiere and for Altman to accept the Palme d'Or.
This year, Kellerman is in Cannes to support Larry Arrick's romantic comedy, The Lay of the Land, in which she stars with Ed Begley Jr, Sandra Taylor and Tyne Daly; and Joelle Bentolila's Slamdance hit The Maze.
"Having a family inspired me," Kellerman says by way of explanation for her absence from our screens of late. "A family gives life meaning and takes the urgency of having a career away. It has made me feel more creative. It also helps to have a husband [Jonathan Krane] who is so supportive. He has made me realise the importance of having somebody in your corner."
Kellerman is very proud of The Lay of the Land, which started life as a stage play. "It was easy to say the words, they were so real. It's probably the best role I've ever had. A chance to play a whole human being."
When did you first come to Cannes and why?
1970 for the screening of M*A*S*H.
What is your most memorable Cannes moment?
Sitting on Marcello Mastroianni's lap in Bob's [Altman] suite in the Carlton in 1970. [Mastroianni won the best actor prize that year for his performance in Ettore Scola's Dramma della gelosia.]
What is your greatest Cannes regret?
Never having won the best actress award, but there is still time.
What is your greatest extravagance in Cannes?
A suite at the Du Cap.
What do you most enjoy about Cannes?
That I'm in France. That I get to see great films and meet the filmmakers and stars.
If you could choose, what would you most like to comes to Cannes as?
Myself.
If anything, what do you dislike about Cannes?
I'll take the Fifth on this one.
What do you consider your greatest Cannes achievement?
Going.
Which word or phrase do you overuse in Cannes?
"Great!"
If the president of the festival, Gilles Jacob, offered you his job for a year, would you accept?
Absolutely not.
Would you like to be invited to sit on or preside over the jury?
Not this year or next with seven-year-old twins, but later, yes.
Who, in your opinion, are today's top female stars?
I admire so many talented actresses - and there are a lot around today. I would hate to list my favourites because I might leave one out. They tell me that to be politically correct, we now have to consider ourselves to be female actors! In my mind, I'm still an actress and proud of it.
Role model?
At this stage of my career, I like to say Jessica Tandy!
Berlin or Venice?
Venice.
NATPE or Sundance?
Sundance.
Palme d'Or or Oscar?
I'll take them both.
Petit Carlton or Carlton Terrace?
During the festival, neither one.
Old Palais or New Palais?
The Old Palais. That's where they screened M*A*S*H and we all went up the red carpet. It's sad that it's gone. Perhaps they should think of getting Philippe Starck - who has done so much for the look and feel of the Mondrian in LA - to do something with the Noga Hilton.
Shrine or Dorothy Chandler?
Dorothy Chandler.
Art or commerce?
Art, but I'm not opposed to a little commerce.
The Beatles or Rolling Stones?
Rolling Stones because they are still alive. No, that doesn't sound right, does it? But they are still performing and recording.
Letterman (David) or Leno (Jay)?
Leno.
New York or Los Angeles?
I live in LA, but I love them both equally.
French or Italian?
French.
World Cup or World Series?
World Series.
Fax or e-mail?
Je ne sais pas!
