Halle Berry is set to carry the Olympic torch down the Croisette in Cannes, France, on Tuesday, ahead of the Paris Games. The Oscar-winning actress will take part in this prestigious event, which will see the famed French Riviera boulevard temporarily closed from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. local time.
The Croisette, known for its designer shops and currently bustling with the Cannes Lions festival, will be shut down to accommodate Berry’s torch relay. This temporary closure has sparked mixed reactions among festival attendees. Some are concerned about the timing, as it will disrupt access to key locations like Stagwell Sport Beach and Spotify’s setup. One attendee expressed frustration, questioning how they would reach their events with the street closed.
Despite the inconvenience, others are thrilled about the opportunity to witness Berry carrying the torch. An advertising executive, whose events are unaffected by the closure, shared her excitement, calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to see the actress in action.
Berry, 57, has been active on Capitol Hill recently, advocating for funding for menopause research and education. She has emphasized the need to remove the stigma surrounding menopause and to have open conversations about this natural phase of life.
The Olympic torch relay is a time-honored tradition that dates back to ancient Greece. The flame, which was lit in Olympia, Greece, on April 16, has been making its way to Paris through a series of relay events. Berry joins a distinguished list of celebrities who have carried the torch, including Muhammad Ali, Magic Johnson, Diane Sawyer, and John Legend.
On Tuesday morning, Berry lit the Olympic torch outside the Palais in Cannes. Dressed in an all-white, athletic ensemble, she posed for photos on the red steps of the Palais des Festivals before making her way down the Croisette. Fans lined the street, waving and cheering as she passed by.
The torch was eventually handed off to other notable figures, including Megan Rapinoe, Paul Rabil, and Shaun White, who carried it as a group. The event, which was first reported by Page Six, saw the Croisette shut down for two hours to allow for the torch’s passage.
The decision to hold the Olympic event during the Cannes Lions festival has been met with mixed reactions. Some festival attendees are upset about the disruption, arguing that the festival is crucial for the local economy. Others, however, see it as an important moment and are excited to witness the historic relay.
Berry’s participation in the torch relay is a significant moment, not just for her but for the Olympic tradition as a whole. Her involvement brings attention to the relay and adds a touch of Hollywood glamour to the event.
As the torch continues its journey to Paris, Berry’s role in the relay will be remembered as a highlight of the 2024 Paris Games. Her presence in Cannes has certainly made an impact, both on the festival and on the Olympic tradition.
