Paul Laverty, known for his work on two Cannes Film Festival winning films, expressed strong criticism towards Hollywood during a press conference at this year's festival. He claimed that actors such as Javier Bardem and Mark Ruffalo have faced blacklisting for voicing their concerns about the violence in Gaza, stating, “Shame on Hollywood.” Laverty praised these actors as admirable individuals and wished them well, emphasizing the importance of supporting those who speak out against injustice. He also commended the Cannes Film Festival for using an image of Susan Sarandon from *Thelma & Louise* on its official poster, noting the significance of recognizing voices that oppose violence. Laverty quoted Shakespeare's *King Lear*, reflecting on the troubling state of the world and the emotional weight of ongoing violence. He found solace in the creativity and artistic expression celebrated at Cannes, which he described as a refreshing escape from the harsh realities of current events. Other jury members this year include Demi Moore, Ruth Negga, and Chloe Zhao, among others.