Halle Berry Steals Cannes Spotlight at ‘The Phoenician Scheme’ Premiere
Picture this—caffeine coursing through my veins and me doing a double-take at the Palais des Festivals because Halle Berry just made the Croisette her personal stage! Last night at the 78th Cannes Film Festival in France, Berry turned heads in a jaw-dropping emerald gown for the premiere of her spy thriller, The Phoenician Scheme (People Magazine, May 19, 2025). The film—directed by René Ballard, co-starring Owen Wilson, and filmed on location in Malta—had critics buzzing, and Berry, who also serves as a producer, proved she’s equally unstoppable behind the camera.
Her structured bodice, thigh-high slit, and matching emerald clutch were pure Hollywood magic, while her slick low bun and smoky cat-eye nodded to old-school glam. As reported by Dotdash Meredith’s Star Tracks feed, Berry paused for selfies, graciously signed autographs, and even stopped mid-pose to gush, “This is a dream come true!” before slipping inside to catch the film’s tense opening sequence.
Not to be outdone, Regina Hall lit up the red carpet upstream in a sequined mini-dress that mirrored every flashbulb. Hall’s playful fringe and sky-high stilettos were perfection, making my espresso shot feel tame by comparison. Sources say her stylist, Maria Gonzalez, hand-picked the look to contrast Berry’s luxe eveningwear with a dash of party-ready sparkle (People).
Meanwhile, Dutch supermodel-turned-actor Romee Strijd arrived in a soft pink silk gown with an unexpected side-cut that had fashion editors in a tizzy. According to Dotdash Meredith, Strijd’s stylist Caroline Churchill chose the delicate hue to emphasize her sun-kissed glow, and the model spent the evening networking with European auteurs backstage.
And did you catch veteran actress Naomi Watts slipping through the sidelines in chic black separates? Her understated look offered a cool, minimalist counterpoint to the night’s maximalist energy, proving that French tailors really do know best.
Inside the screening, Berry’s co-star Owen Wilson lightened the mood with behind-the-scenes anecdotes about his character’s pho obsession—yes, that ties back to the film’s working title, Starred Scheme! Director René Ballard later toasted the cast during an intimate after-party at Hôtel Martinez, where Berry and Wilson shared laughs over a surprise karaoke duet. Talk about cinematic synergy!
With red-hot style, star-power cameos, and insider toasts, Cannes 2025 just redefined “must-see premiere.” Keep your eyes peeled for my next dispatch—I’m hearing whispers of an after-party fashion feud and possible romance rumor swirling around Berry and Wilson. Whew! I swear, I could talk about this all day.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, Dotdash Meredith
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
