Leila Bekhtin at the closing ceremony of the Cannes Film Festival (May 27, 2023) Julien Reynaud / APS-Medias / ABACA
Motherhood, the film she absolutely wants to see at the Cannes Film Festival, the importance of sisterhood… It was in the Cannes suite of L’Oréal Paris, of which she is the muse, that the actress let us in on some secrets.
Madame Figaro: In the video Value class is produced L’Oreal Paris, you express your doubts and worries in front of the camera. This vulnerability is a side of you that you rarely reveal in the media. How do you trust yourself?
Leila Bekhti .- Confidence in me isn’t there every day. I wouldn’t say I feel confident. I used to be able to get stressed out on certain occasions, but today I take it a bit more easy. I wish I understood that sooner. For example, after a failed red carpet, I tell myself “it doesn’t matter”. I am less afraid of reactions. I know people can be mean. You should also take care of yourself, consider yourself a little more. I’m still working on it.
Motherhood gave me confidence
Leila Bekhti
Has motherhood affected your self-esteem?
Motherhood gave me confidence. I feel like the Hulk with my kids. Being a mother has changed my life. It is a personal achievement. For some people, that’s not an end in itself, but it was for me. Honestly, the only big fear in the world I have today is that something will happen to my children or the people I love.
In the video: Leila Bekhti’s confidence at Cannes Film Festival 2023
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What has motherhood changed about your image and your body?
I was pregnant for almost three and a half years. I have gained 27 pounds with each of my pregnancies. I said to myself. “I eat for two”… So I ate all I could. I lied to my relatives who were worried because I had gained weight. I answered. “My midwife said there is no problem.” When in fact he told me. “Leila, can we rest for a while?” (is laughing): I discovered my body in a different way, I found beauty there. It’s a period where I felt good, even though obviously there are times when you want to lose weight. And then, I resumed sports. From burgers, shepherd’s pie, spaghetti bolognese, lasagna and fries…I just passed on a salad with some bread. Because that’s when I wanted it.
Has your professional life been affected by these upheavals?
I was lucky. I was very pregnant with my 20 extra kilos, and being overweight was not a subject for my characters to play. It was nice. When Gilles [Lellouche, NDLR] offered me the role of Amanda in his film Large bathroomI told him. “I’m pregnant, I’ve gained a lot of weight.” He answered: “I am not interested”: It was obvious to him. Same with Jonathan [Cohen, NDLR] for filming The flame and even for a movie The Intraquilles By Joachim Lafosse. It was important not to make it about the hero, and I liked that.
Sisterhood is important outside of our immediate circle as well. I adore women, I admire them a lot, I like to tell them that they are beautiful.
Leila Bekhti
The clan of L’Oréal Paris muses is growing and welcoming new talented women. Is the concept of sisterhood important to you, especially in the film industry?
Sisterhood is extremely important. It’s something that has always spoken to me. I grew up with it, I have childhood friends. I also think about hanging out with my actress friends like Adele [Exarchopoulos]Geraldine [Nakache]… It’s not just work that connects us anymore, they have become my sisters. But sisterhood is important beyond our inner circle as well. I adore women, I admire them a lot, I like to tell them that they are beautiful. If we start by being kind to each other, they will understand even more on the other side.
What kind of role models did you grow up with as a little girl or teenager?
My mother, for starters. So does Cindy Crawford. I remember drawing myself a fake mole like her… But I looked like everything but Cindy Crawford, you can imagine. Julia Roberts, I think she’s very generous. Tomorrow I will have the opportunity to meet Kate Winslet, who is one of my favorite actresses. She is one of the most beautiful actresses in the world. He gives everything to his characters. It is an inspiration for me.
Which films are you most looking forward to seeing at the Cannes Film Festival this year?
Leila Bekhti: Ken Loach is one of my favorite directors, I can’t wait to see his new movie [The Old Oak, NDLR]. I asked L’Oreal Paris to climb the stairs that very night. I really want to see a Justin Trier movie. Anatomy of a Fall. There are many others I want to see, even outside of the competition. time to love By Kate Killevere, the animal kingdom By Thomas Cale… And it’s not just because there’s Adele [Excarchopoulos] who plays in it! I love this director.
Source: Le Figaro
