Andie MacDowell On Cannes Red Carpet: ‘I Was Afraid People Would Make Fun Of Me’

Andie MacDowell spoke recently on what it was like to be a new mother with an award-nominated movie about to debut at Cannes, saying the pressure was really on to look good. In fact, her fears regarding her body kept her from going to the event that year, when Sex, Lies, And Videotape won the Palme d’Or.

“I didn’t come because I had just had my daughter, and I was nursing her and really round and I was afraid people would make fun of me. I know that was stupid. Now in hindsight, because I’ve matured and I’m older, I don’t really care what people say,” MacDowell said.

The year was 1989, and although Andie surely looked every inch as beautiful as she does today, it’s understandable that she was worried about how she might have been received. For actresses all over the world, the pressure to look perfect — even right after giving birth — can be devastating. Even today, in 2015, Cannes is receiving negative backlash due to reported rules about what women can and can’t wear on the red carpet.

MacDowell visited Cannes this year in a professional capacity as a spokesperson for L’Oreal, but she said that one of the best parts of the trip was getting to spend time with Jane Fonda.

“That was a blast and she’s gorgeous and an inspiration. She’s 77. She looks amazing. So I’m happy, I’m thankful, I’m always living gratitude,” Andie said.

MacDowell and her daughter, Rainey Qualley, made headlines in 2012 when Rainey was chosen to be Miss Golden Globe. Back then, Rainey was just starting out in the business and said in an interview that she was hoping to go on some auditions once the awards show was done. It took a little time, but she did eventually get a huge break just this year, when she appeared in the final season of Mad Men. Of course, Andie never had any worries.

“I’m so thankful for her. She’s working really hard to try and make it in this business…I watched the videos [showing what] she had to do. I had no idea how much responsibility there really was with it. There’s a lot of responsibility… You have to be articulate. She’s a smart girl and she’s got a beautiful heart, so I’m hoping it all goes really well for her… I don’t think that all the star power will scare her or intimidate her because she’s been with me on sets and stuff like that,” Andie MacDowell said.

[Photo courtesy Craig Ferguson]