She bets on her undeniable talent and the timeless charm of an intellectual woman who transcends age and time. She has played roles that established her status and earned her prestigious awards. The ’90s smash hit Four Weddings and a Funeral propelled Andie MacDowell to fame and won 24 awards, including four BAFTAs.
She overcame the difficulties of a complicated family life, marked by her mother’s alcoholism, with vigor and grace. She raised three children, and her two daughters, inspired by her energy, are following in her successful footsteps. Even in the face of adversity, she never saw life as a drama, but as an opportunity to fix what led her nowhere. Her ethos, values, and hard work have always kept her in the spotlight. During the pandemic, she stopped coloring her hair and started a new trend — embracing silver hair and inspiring others to feel comfortable with their true selves. A reversal of time, and a deep acceptance of authenticity.
This year, Andie MacDowell celebrates 40 years as a L’Oréal Paris ambassador, yet she was like a teenager at the party, smiling in front of a beautiful multi-tiered cake. The sparkle in her eyes still makes us feel that we, too, can start over. Her inner strength is truly remarkable — a real regeneration. People often think Andie is very serious, but on set she was also funny, with an interesting sense of humor. She says she doesn’t take herself too seriously — she reflects deeply, analyzes her journey, and uses it to improve her present. She loves yoga, beach walks, and reading. She turned off her TV long ago. More than anything, she values her time — and hopes we all learn how to be strong at any age.
Dress: Charbel Karam Couture
When she arrived at Casino Royal Palm, the first thing she did was admire the sumptuous fresco depicting Cannes gambling scenes, highlighted by a bronze-patinated brass pendant inspired by jewellery. Then she began changing gowns and striking poses — and it became clear she knows how to play with reality, and with us too. We truly enjoyed those moments with her. Andie MacDowell is a woman for all women — of every age and every experience. A real lesson in strength, showing how a woman can always take the next step. A reminder that it’s never too late to become the woman you really are. Because, after all — you’re worth it.
Dress: Zaady Couture; Clutch: Lena Erziak
Since 1986, you have been one of the most important faces of L’Oréal. Celebrating 40 years this year with this collaboration, remind us of 2-3 critical moments you will never forget.
When I originally signed my contract, I had to tell the brand that I was pregnant. I had been working with them for a bit up to that point, but they were just putting me under contract. I found out right around then that I was pregnant, and I was so scared to tell them. But thankfully, they didn’t care, and it all worked out. And I went on to have two more babies while working with them, and they have supported me at every step.
When I turned 40 years old, I had to do my first grey hair commercial. Initially, I thought the commercial was very cut and dry and clinical. I kept telling myself to have a good attitude, but I remember telling the team at L’Oréal that the commercial should have been funnier. I ended up joking, “I’m highlighting, what grays?” And then I did that commercial for over 20 years with that same quote.
What changes have you experienced over these 40 years, both as a person and as a professional?
Well, I became a mother of three, and a grandmother of two, soon to be three babies. I look back and appreciate the career I’ve had – all the highs and lows, the comebacks and the “not” comebacks. It’s all just a journey to me. I’ve landed in a place that has always been a dream of mine: to live and work in. I have beautiful friends and a healthy lifestyle. I have the opportunity to dedicate time to the things that matter to me: working and growing as both an actor and as a human; spending more time working on initiatives that matter to me, like the National Forest Foundation; and being a grandmother. I have no intention of stopping work, but now I want to take the time to focus on other things that are important to me.
As we are in Cannes festival what can we say before your new movie? I know that maybe you can not tell us much. But we would love to learn first.
I recently filmed a psychological thriller titled Melpomene, directed by Charlotte Dauphin and shot in the South of France. I appear as Lady Rain, a symbolic and strong character – a mysterious figure who holds the truth. The story follows a young woman unravelling the mystery surrounding her mother’s death, confronting themes of mental health, family secrets, and personal liberation. It’s a visually stunning and deeply emotional piece. The wonderful cast also includes Marisa Berenson, Pascal Greggory, Finnegan Oldfield, and Marie-Agnès Gillot.
Dress: Emina Amin Couture
Dress: Inclover Couture
You will start production this year on the fourth season of your hit Hallmark Channel television show, The Way Home, in which you have starred in a leading role since 2023. Let us know more.
To me, it’s a team. There are no leads. We’re an ensemble, and we all carry the show. What I enjoy about the role that I play is that I’ve always dreamed of playing the matriarch. The stereotypical role that the man usually plays is strong and the family leader, but as a woman instead. It’s the type of role that I’ve always really wanted to play. We have such wonderful female writers who listen to my desires and have helped create a character that I am so proud of.
In the past, you earned the Independent Spirit Award for best female lead for “Sex, Lies, and Videotape”, and you were nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress—Motion Picture Drama, which was the most important award you received in your life as a woman.
One time, years ago, I had to travel to Los Angeles to shoot a L’Oréal commercial. It was snowing in Asheville near where I was living, so no flights were going out of there. I drove to the airport in Atlanta instead, in a massive snowstorm, so I could catch a plane to LA and make the shoot. Otherwise, I would have missed it. I got there, and L’Oréal had mocked up a trophy for me that said, “Storm Hero Award.” That is probably the best award I’ve won.
Which was your favourite movie from those you have seen? And why?
Groundhog Day is just a perfect movie. I wouldn’t take back anything about it. It was cast beautifully. Bill and I were perfect opposites in those roles at that time. He was so broad, and I played it so earnest and honest. And Harold Ramis was just the nicest man.
Dress: Ivette Bianchi Couture
What do you really expect to find in the new proposals you receive? What’s the most important for you?
A story that connects with me, and a good script. The writing has to be good. If the story’s not good, the film is not going to beany good. I love playing strong females. I really want to play the female version of a “silver fox” character. Strong, powerful, in control, and telling people what to do. And just gettingenormous amounts of respect for my age and experience. We always see men in those types of roles, but hardly any women.
As an activist, you are still on the board of the National Forest Foundation. Can you tell us more about it?
I’ve been on the board for 10 years. Our country’s national forests are so important and are a cornerstone of American life. They sequester 20% of the carbon from our atmosphere, which acts as an air purifier for us. Our forests also provide 1/3 of all American households with clean drinking water. We’ve already developed so much of our country’s land, we need to start concentrating on how we actually treat this land that is vital to our well-being. There are about 4 million acres of land in the U.S. that need to be reforested. In seven years, the NFF has planted nearly 50 million trees across 76 National Forests to help address this backlog. My father was a lumber executive, and as someone who has lived adjacent to many national forests and has benefited from them my whole life, this cause is incredibly important to me.
As we know, two of your kids are already involved in the industry. What was your advice to them?
Watch movies. Learn what you like. Learn about directors that you admire and want to work with. And I always told them to write handwritten thank you notes.
They say that now you are at your best age. How do you describe yourself now?
Wise. I understand so much about life that I didn’t know when I was younger. I know how important time is now. We don’t have any time to waste. Life goes by very fast. This age has felt most important to me – it’s too precious. I cannot waste my time.
What would you like to say to all these women who are inspired by your spirit and your beautiful presence?
That they are worth it. And I hope they take good care of themselves. Take time for themselves. Nurture themselves. I always tell my girls, you have to be your own best mother.
A quote that describes your life and you.
Healthy, active, vibrant, loving, and working on being more mindful.
CREDITS
Photography: Greg Alexander @gregalexanderofficial
Production: Mephistopheles Productions @mephistophelesproductions
Art director & Styling: Sébastien Vienne @sebastienvienne
Production coordination: Kahina Melchane @kahina_melchane
Assistant: Emmeline Yalaz-Lazizi & Patricia Constanza
Interview: Ada Iliopoulou @adalesoleil30
Beauty by L’Oreal Paris global experts: Hair: Walter Armanno + Tanaka Moroki; prepped and overseen by Stephane LANCIEN
Makeup: Irina Grishina; prepped and overseen by Harold James“
Special thanks to Casino Royal Palm Cannes @casinoroyalpalm