Cannes 2012 Poster Features Marilyn Monroe Blowing Out Birthday Cake

For the 65th anniversary of the extravaganza and fifty years after her death, Marilyn Monroe is the 'icon' of the 2012 Cannes Film Festival.

By Matt Holmes /

For the 65th anniversary of the extravaganza and fifty years after her death, Marilyn Monroe has been selected as the 'icon' of the 2012 Cannes Film Festival. To celebrate this posthumous honour, the festival de Cannes have released the official poster for the festival. We have uploaded it below and it features Marilyn blowing out the candles on a birthday cake. How fitting, especially in the same week when the Oscars celebrated Michelle Williams's Academy Award nomination for her terrific performance as the much beloved actress in "My Week With Marilyn". An official statement reads;
Each of her screen appearances sparks the imagination. The Festival poster captures Marilyn by surprise in an intimate moment where myth meets reality €“ a moving tribute to the anniversary of her passing, which coincides with the Festival anniversary. She enchants us with this promising gesture: a seductively blown kiss. The Festival is a temple of glamour and Marilyn is its perfect incarnation. Their coming together symbolises the ideal of simplicity and elegance.
The Cannes Film Festival this year takes place from May 16th to May 27th. No movies have been officially announced yet and I just wonder if an old Monroe classic will make an appearance and be resurrected for a special screening slot? Some Like It Hot perhaps?