10 Cannes Film Festival Protests (That Had Nothing To Do With Shoes)
8. When Film Stars Protested For The Right To Give Themselves Lung Cancer
The documented dangers of smoking range from lung cancer to stinky hair and annoyed acquaintances who have to suffer the stink in silence. Presumably these were some of the reasons that prompted France along with most of the civilised world to institute a smoking ban in all enclosed spaces in 2008. The ban included indoor areas at the Palais de Festivals, a fact that the VIP guests of the event didn't take to kindly. The first stone was thrown by legendary bad boy Sean Penn, who that year was heading the jury. The actor left the press under no illusions as to what he thought of the French ban when, during a press conference, he lit up not once but twice. When put on the spot about his behaviour, Penn replied with a joke. In true brat pack style, Penns behaviour was immediately picked up by director Marjane Satrapi and actress Jeanne Balibar. This was not the first time Penn succumbed to nicotine over reputation. Two years earlier, while at the Toronto International Film Festival, the actor also lit up in defiance of local laws during another press conference. His actions provoked a nationwide outcry, forcing festival organisers to issue a formal apology.
