Margaret Qualley shines twice at Cannes with ‘Kinds of Kindness’ and ‘The Substance’ premieres

Margaret Qualley describes her 2024 Cannes experience as “surreal,” having two films compete at the prestigious festival: ‘Kinds of Kindness’ and ‘The Substance.’ 

This marked her third trip to Cannes. Qualley first attended in 2012 with her mother, Andie MacDowell. Her 2022 visit saw her starring in ‘Stars at Noon,’ feeling confident under the wing of director Claire Denis.

Speaking to Variety, Qualley described her “surreal” experience. “I’m the luckiest person,” Qualley said. “First time was a baby. I was deer in the headlights. I didn’t know what I wanted to do with myself or my life or how to do it.”

For this year's dazzling red carpets, Qualley donned Chanel couture and vintage jewelry, feeling like a “princess” thanks to designer Virginie Viard. 

She expressed immense admiration for both Viard and director Yorgos Lanthimos, who directed 'Kinds of Kindness,' highlighting the importance of visionary creators.

Qualley's joy was evident as ‘Kinds of Kindness’ - a comedy drama - received a 4.5-minute ovation. The actor stars alongside Emma Stone, Joe Alwyn, Hunter Schafer, Jesse Plemmons, Willem Dafoe, and Hong Chau in the film.

Directed by Coralie Fargeat, Qualley's other film - the body horror epic ‘The Substance’ - received an even more thunderous 11-minute standing ovation. Alongside Qualley, Demi Moore, Dennis Quaid and Hugo Diego Garcia also star in the film.

Reflecting on the surreal experience, she described the mixed emotions of being overwhelmed and honored to Variety.

“You don’t feel much. You’re just like, ‘What face do I make?’” she said. “You feel a lot and nothing. Regardless, it’s very special to have a movie at Cannes. It’s very special to have a movie in that theater.”