Not everyone needs to be a supermodel—and Helen Mirren is living proof that true beauty shines from authenticity. Attending Cannes to promote The Most Precious of Cargoes, the legendary actress and proud L’Oréal Paris ambassador had an empowering message to share.
Speaking with PEOPLE, Mirren said, “I look okay, but I’m not that beautiful. That’s fine by me.”
Instead of chasing perfection, she believes real power comes from owning who you are—flaws, quirks, and all.
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Mirren’s journey toward self-acceptance wasn’t instant. Like many young women, she once fell into the trap of comparison. As a teenager, she longed to look like Twiggy, the famously slim, wide-eyed model of the ’60s.
“I desperately wanted to be Twiggy,” she confessed. “But I absolutely was not.”
Instead of dwelling on what she wasn’t, Mirren learned the art of self-celebration. Over time, she realized that authenticity—not imitation—is what creates real beauty.
At Cannes, Mirren wasn’t just celebrating herself—she was lifting up others too. She joined the Lights on Women Award ceremony, an initiative by L’Oréal Paris dedicated to recognizing female filmmakers.
Mirren passionately spoke about the bravery it takes to create films. “You have to be bold to use someone else’s money to bring your vision to life,” she said. It’s a reminder that storytelling isn’t just talent—it’s courage.
Helen Mirren didn’t sugarcoat the reality: for too long, movies have showcased male viewpoints.
“For 50 years, we’ve largely seen stories told from a male point of view,” she stated. “It’s overdue for us to experience more narratives from a female perspective.”
Video: Helen Mirren Reunited with Ex-Boyfriend Liam Neeson
Her call to action? Encourage diverse storytelling. Make space for new voices. Enrich cinema with fresh experiences and perspectives.
Helen Mirren’s life and career tell one powerful story: greatness isn’t about fitting in—it’s about standing out. Whether she’s encouraging women to love themselves or pushing Hollywood to evolve, Mirren proves that confidence and authenticity are timeless.
At 78, she’s not just aging beautifully—she’s still breaking barriers, still inspiring, and still leading with grace and power.
