The Deauville American Film Festival is set to dazzle the French coast once again this September, drawing a constellation of Hollywood stars and cinematic legends for its 51st edition. Among the most anticipated honorees is Pamela Anderson, who will receive a career achievement tribute, affirming her remarkable resurgence in the film industry and her enduring influence on popular culture. The festival, which runs from September 5 to 14, 2025, promises a blend of nostalgia, star power, and fresh cinematic vision, making it a must-watch event on the international film calendar.
According to Variety, Pamela Anderson will be the recipient of the Deauville Talent Award on the festival’s opening night, September 5. This prestigious honor places her in the company of previous recipients such as Natalie Portman, Michelle Williams, and Michael Douglas. The recognition comes at a high point in Anderson’s career, as her latest film—Paramount’s reboot of Naked Gun, in which she stars opposite Liam Neeson—is currently lighting up theaters. The buzz around Anderson’s performance signals not just a return, but a redefinition of her artistic path.
Anderson’s journey to this moment has been anything but conventional. After years of being pigeonholed in certain roles, her critically acclaimed comeback in 2024’s The Last Showgirl marked a turning point. Since then, she has been in high demand, lining up projects with renowned international directors. Audiences can look forward to seeing her in Karim Aïnouz’s Rosebush Pruning, Kornél Mundruczó’s Place to Be, Sally Potter’s Alma, and Love Is Not the Answer, the directorial debut of Michael Cera. Each of these projects signals Anderson’s commitment to challenging herself with diverse and ambitious roles.
But it’s not just her work on screen that’s being celebrated. The Deauville festival has highlighted Anderson’s “passionate commitment to philanthropy and advocacy, leaving a lasting mark on the cultural imagination.” This blend of artistry and activism has set her apart, making her a role model for both her peers and the next generation of performers.
Anderson’s recognition at Deauville underscores a broader trend in the festival’s programming: a reverence for both legacy and innovation. The 2025 edition will also pay homage to Kim Novak, the iconic star of Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo. Novak will receive the Honorary Award on September 6, with a ceremony followed by the screening of Alexandre O. Philippe’s documentary Kim Novak’s Vertigo. Festivalgoers will have the chance to revisit many of Novak’s cult classics, including Vertigo and Otto Preminger’s The Man With the Golden Arm. Novak’s influence will also be acknowledged at the upcoming Venice Film Festival, cementing her status as a cinematic legend.
The festival isn’t just about honoring established stars; it’s also a platform for new voices and visions. Kristen Stewart, known for her fearless choices both in front of and behind the camera, will attend Deauville to present her directorial debut Chronology of Water. Stewart has been granted carte blanche by the festival to showcase her favorite films, offering audiences a glimpse into her cinematic inspirations. She’ll also participate in a conversation event supported by Chanel, adding a touch of high fashion to the proceedings.
Deauville’s commitment to spotlighting emerging talent is further evidenced by its Hollywood Rising Star Award, which will be presented to Zoey Deutch. Deutch’s performance in Nouvelle Vague has already generated significant buzz, and her recognition at Deauville is seen as a harbinger of greater things to come. The festival will also host a special screening of Joachim Trier’s Cannes Grand Prix winner Sentimental Value, further cementing its reputation as a tastemaker in the world of international cinema.
The festival’s film lineup is as diverse as it is ambitious. Premieres include Oliver Hermanus’s The History of Sound, Kelly Reichardt’s The Mastermind, Yórgos Lánthimos’s Bugonia, and Richard Linklater’s Nouvelle Vague. Each of these films reflects a different facet of contemporary storytelling, from historical drama to psychological intrigue. The selection process, overseen by jury president Golshifteh Farahani—herself an acclaimed actor known for her role in Alpha—ensures a balance between established auteurs and rising voices.
The presence of such a varied and high-profile roster of guests and films is a testament to Deauville’s enduring appeal. Founded in 1975, the festival has long served as a bridge between Hollywood and European audiences, providing a stage for American films to make their mark abroad. Over the decades, it has evolved into a celebration of global cinema, attracting stars, directors, and cinephiles from around the world.
Yet, for all its glamour and history, the heart of the festival remains its commitment to storytelling. Whether it’s honoring legends like Kim Novak, celebrating comeback stories like Pamela Anderson’s, or shining a spotlight on the next generation of filmmakers, Deauville continues to champion the transformative power of film. As the festival prepares to raise its curtain on September 5, anticipation is running high—not just for the red carpet moments, but for the stories that will be told, the careers that will be celebrated, and the connections that will be forged.
For Pamela Anderson, the Deauville Talent Award is more than just a personal milestone; it’s a recognition of resilience, reinvention, and the ability to inspire. Her journey from pop culture icon to critically acclaimed actress and advocate is emblematic of the festival’s spirit—honoring the past while looking boldly to the future. As the lights go up in Deauville, all eyes will be on Anderson and her fellow honorees, ready to celebrate the magic of cinema in all its forms.
