The Grande Dames: Joan Collins, Isabella Rossellini Bring Old Hollywood Class to Cannes

At 92, Dame Joan Collins remains a commanding presence, as evident in her recent appearance at Cannes alongside Isabella Rossellini. Both actresses have had long and storied careers, with a shared sense of history and experience that only grows more pronounced with their collaboration on My Duchess, a drama about the tragic final years of Wallis Simpson.

Their conversation is a testament to the strong bond between these two women, who have navigated the complexities of female friendship in an industry notorious for its cruelty. As Rossellini notes, her father Roberto was once set to direct Collins in Sea Wife (1957), but Darryl Zanuck intervened to sanitize the film’s more racy elements.

Throughout their careers, both actresses have demonstrated a commitment to integrity and authenticity. Collins’ refusal to compromise on her art – or herself – is particularly notable, from her iconic role as Alexis Carrington in Dynasty to her current work on My Duchess. Her experiences with the press have left her with a deep-seated distrust of those who seek to exploit women’s stories for their own gain.

The film’s subject, Wallis Simpson, lived through some of the most tumultuous periods of 20th-century history, yet her story has largely been forgotten – or distorted – over time. Collins notes that her own experiences with the press have left her wary of those who seek to hijack women’s stories for their own gain. My Duchess is, in part, a testament to her determination to tell Wallis Simpson’s story on her own terms.

Collaborations between seasoned actresses like Collins and Rossellini are rare, but what makes My Duchess special is its commitment to telling a story that’s both personal and universal. The film speaks to the struggles women face when trying to navigate an often hostile environment. As Collins and Rossellini bring this complex narrative to life, it’s hard not to wonder: what other stories are waiting to be told? What other women have been silenced or distorted over time?

One thing is certain: when Hollywood’s Golden Girls speak, we listen. And as My Duchess shows us, their voices are still powerful enough to shatter glass – and change the way we think about women on screen.