'My hero, bestest actress': Shaina Magdayao attends Meryl Streep's talk in Cannes

MANILA, Philippines — Actress Shaina Magdayao was starstruck to be in the same room as award-winning actress Meryl Streep at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.

Shaina was in Cannes for the Directors Factory program of the festival's Directors' Fortnight (Quinzaine des cinéastes), which is highlighting Filipino filmmakers.

She stars in one of the four films, "Walay Balay," alongside Ruby Ruiz, who is also in Cannes with several other Filipino filmmakers and actors.

The actress wore a white terno dress by Russel May Cordero, shoes from True Story, a bag from Bling & Co. and accessories by Farah Abu.

A post shared by Shaina Magdayao (@shaina_magdayao)

Right after the Directors' Fortnight event, Shaina rushed to a different venue to catch the talk by Meryl, who was presented with an Honorary Palme d'Or during the festival opener.

"I am so excited," Shaina said in an Instagram story when she arrived in the Claude Debussy Theatre.

A different Instagram story by Shaina shows Meryl receiving a standing ovation when she arrived.

"I had a wave of feelings. This flow of tears in the audience, that was a lot to process," Meryl recalled after receiving the special Palme d'Or. "So much love, here, in Cannes, was overwhelming. At home, nobody respects me!"

A post shared by Shaina Magdayao (@shaina_magdayao)

Meryl also talked about her past iconic roles like "Sophie's Choice," "The Devil Wears Prada" and "The Bridges of Madison County," her opinion on French films and female roles today, and her advice for young actors. 

"You are my hero! What a beautiful and extraordinarily talented human being!" Shaina praised Meryl. "Thank you, bestest actress!"

The 77th Cannes Film Festival runs until May 25, as presided by "Barbie" filmmaker Greta Gerwig, where 22 films, including Francis Ford Coppola's "Megalopolis," Yorgos Lanthimos' "Kinds of Kindness" and Sean Baker's "Anora," are competing for the Palme d'Or.

Apart from Meryl, Studio Ghibli and George Lucas are set to receive their own Honorary Palme d'Ors in the coming days.

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