Col Needham, founding father of on-line leisure database IMDb, is again on the Croisette this 12 months.

Forward of the Cannes Movie Competition, the trade and fest veteran took time to inform THR about a few of his finest and worst experiences on the town. He additionally addressed his tackle reporting the size of standing ovations at premieres.

Favourite meal in Cannes?

The côte de boeuf at Da Bouttau within the outdated city; the restaurant opened there in 1860, in order that they have had loads of time to refine the menu (contextual reminder: Lincoln was elected president of the U.S. in 1860!).

Largest Cannes fake pas?

A frequent one even after 16 years of attending Cannes: forgetting to verify the climate earlier than a screening after which getting soaked in a mid-Could torrential downpour afterward as a result of, in flip, I’ve no umbrella. I’m positive my reminiscence is enjoying tips right here, however I swear it took me days to dry out from the stroll again to the lodge after The Nice Gatsby (2013). 

Finest place to seize a drink after 3 a.m.?

The bar in The Carlton. Coincidentally, I had a beer there with Russell Crowe at precisely 3 a.m. on the day Robin Hood opened the pageant in 2010. The bar had turn into a secret after-afterparty for the movie.

Most attention-grabbing celeb encounter?

I first met Nicolas Winding Refn within the line exterior a celebration. We turned quick buddies and stay buddies to at the present time. A number of years later, in 2019, Nicolas invited my spouse and me to journey in an official pageant automobile to the Friday night premiere screening of Too Outdated to Die Younger and we walked the crimson carpet as a part of the director’s entourage, together with having a named seat contained in the Palais. A really particular night time. 

Angle towards timing and reporting on standing ovations at premieres?

I’m impartial. I’m not notably myself, however I do know many individuals do care, so go forward and begin your stopwatches.