This memorable photograph was taken by Richard Blanshard, a renowned photographer who has immortalized some of the world's most famous faces on film . In 1976, a young Richard Blanshard, then only 22, made his debut at the Cannes Film Festival, eventually becoming an official photographer for the event for two decades.
His work stands out from today's meticulously staged photos; instead, he captures candid moments of celebrities as they unwind and celebrate away from the public eye. These snapshots are now featured in his latest book, "Cannes Uncut: The Golden Years," which highlights the festival during its prime as the top event for film promotion and fundraising.
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In an exclusive interview with The Mirror, Richard reflected on his experiences: "I was assigned to photograph Muhammad Ali when he visited Cannes to launch Freedom Road. He never once declined to have a picture taken. He was a wonderful character, but his entourage was a scary bunch."
One unforgettable incident from 1976 involved photographing legends Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. Richard had set up a makeshift darkroom in a caravan, but disaster struck when he recalls, "As I tried to print the negatives, there was no power the gardener had cut through a power cable. I wanted the earth to swallow me up."
Essex-born Richard, who spent his career capturing images for daily trade magazines, once said, "They had to be under everyone's hotel door for 7am. Back then, with no internet, the only way to let the world know you were in Cannes was by being photographed," according to the Mirror.
Now 69, Richard fondly recalls Johnny Depp as being "effortlessly cool", while Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone seemed to be "trying to upstage one another". Looking back at a 1987 event featuring Prince Charles and Princess Diana, Richard observes: "When I look at the images now it seems clear their relationship wasn't in a great place."
He has also captured other iconic duos such as Jerry Hall and Mick Jagger, and Hugh Grant with Liz Hurley. His lens has immortalized the striking cheekbones of Grace Jones, relaxed moments of Paul Newman, and a youthful Sharon Stone.
However, Richard expresses regret that such candid shots are less common today: "It is all choreographed. Stars arrive in blacked-out limos for their red carpet moment, then leave immediately after."
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