Anthony Vaccarello, Saint Laurent’s creative director, is leaving an indelible mark on the Cannes Film Festival through his innovative Saint Laurent Productions division. This year, three films supported by Saint Laurent Productions will grace the prestigious festival: David Cronenberg’s enigmatic The Shrouds, Paolo Sorrentino’s poetic Parthenope, and Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Perez, featuring an all-star cast including Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldana, and Edgar Ramirez.
Vaccarello’s passion for cinema ignited during his youth, fueled by the works of cinematic masters like Pier Paolo Pasolini and Rainer Werner Fassbinder. He astutely recognizes the symbiotic relationship between fashion and film, both realms blending creativity and commercial considerations. Through Saint Laurent Productions, Vaccarello aims to empower filmmakers to bring their artistic visions to life, free from the constraints that often stifle cinematic expression.
Vaccarello’s unwavering commitment to artistic integrity is evident in his approach to Saint Laurent Productions. The films produced by Saint Laurent do not indulge in product placement or derivative capsule collections. Instead, Vaccarello believes in fostering an environment where creativity and commerciality exist as distinct entities, allowing filmmakers to explore their craft unhindered.
Vaccarello’s collaborations with renowned directors have resulted in critically acclaimed cinematic triumphs. His work with Pedro Almodovar, for instance, showcased the director’s vibrant and provocative style. Gaspar Noe’s experimental and thought-provoking films further exemplify Vaccarello’s commitment to supporting visionary filmmakers.
Vaccarello holds immense admiration for Jacques Audiard, Paolo Sorrentino, and David Cronenberg, recognizing their distinctive styles and unwavering dedication to their craft. He is particularly drawn to Sorrentino’s poetic sensibilities, Audiard’s modern and personal approach, and Cronenberg’s uncanny ability to explore the intersection of technology and the human body.
Vaccarello’s ultimate aspiration is to collaborate with legendary directors like Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola, whose iconic works have left an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape. The sight of his name alongside these cinematic giants at Cannes fills him with a profound sense of accomplishment, a testament to his extraordinary journey from a young boy in Brussels to a respected figure in both fashion and film.