Blanchett, Mirren, Imbruglia and Spencer: refreshing to see some real faces on the Cannes carpet . . .

Cate Blanchett in an Alexander McQueen gown from his final collection

Helen Mirren: a perennial class act

Danielle Spencer: looking as chic as . .

How totally refreshing to see some real faces move down the red carpet at the annual film festival that is Cannes?
Faces which have expression lines. Can smile. Can laugh. Can tell a story.

Assembled for the opening night of the Cannes Film Festival, with the Russell Crowe/Blanchett take on Robin Hood taking opening night honors, there always seems an elegance and integrity to those who hit the Cannes ruby rug.

Sure, the French glamor town may be Hollywood by The Harbor at this time of year, every year, but I must thank it for giving my perusing of opening night pics a lift . . . a night without having to delve through a sea of awkward face-lifts . . . .

Natalie Imbruglia: looking totally back to normal

Cate Blanchett: can she get any more easily elegant?

(all pics from AFP)