‘Euphoria’ Star Sharon Stone Calls Out Cannes Audience to Put Phones Down

Cannes events are typically a blend of glamour, speeches, and larger-than-life personalities. However, this time, the focus shifted from fashion and celebrity appearances to a powerful message about interpersonal treatment in daily life.

The pivotal moment occurred during a gala evening associated with the Better World Fund, an organization dedicated to promoting “cinema and art at the service of humanity,” as outlined in the event details.

Hollywood actress Sharon Stone took center stage, known for her roles in major films like Basic Instinct, Casino, and Broken Flowers. Instead of the usual industry chatter, she emphasized the importance of kindness, empathy, and genuine connections among those present.

During her address, Stone encouraged the audience to be more open and to express their care for one another. She stated, “I want you to tell them, and I want you to mean it, that you’re sorry for the thing that hurt them,” prompting attendees to reflect on their treatment of others and to communicate more sincerely in personal interactions.

@varietymagazine #SharonStone told #Cannes ♬ original sound – Variety

She further highlighted how negative emotions can accumulate when individuals feel isolated. “That makes them afraid, mean, unkind, afraid when they’re alone, angry,” she remarked, associating emotional distance with frustration and loneliness.

At one point, she directly addressed the behavior she observed in the audience. “Put that f—ing phone down,” Stone urged, challenging the crowd to stop fixating on their screens and engage with those around them. She followed with a straightforward request, saying, “Turn to the person next to you. Turn that man right there and hug him. Hug that man.”

Her message resonated in an environment typically characterized by luxury and exclusivity. Reports indicated that ticket prices ranged from approximately $2,300 to $35,000 for VIP access. Despite the high-profile setting, Stone’s speech centered on a fundamental theme: the significance of human connection, attention, and kindness in everyday life.

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