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Cannes Film Festival has been accused of airbrushing an image of renowned Italian actress Claudia Cardinale on the event's poster.

The striking archive photo shows Cardinale dancing barefoot on a roof terrace in Rome in1959, but organisers of the annual event have caused controversy for seemingly slimming down the image.

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Part of the actress's waist and thigh appear to have been retouched, with Telerama magazine saying (via the BBC): "While the poster is magnificent, the photograph has clearly and deplorably been airbrushed to thin the actress's thighs.

Liberation newspaper was also critical of the Cannes poster, claiming: "Claudia Cardinale dropped a dress size in one swirl."

There was an outraged reaction on Twitter too.

Director of Cannes Thierry Fremaux has defended the poster, insisting it had been "very well received" (via AFP).

Meanwhile Cardinale - who starred in classic 60s and 70s movies including Frederico Fellini's 8 1/2 and The Leopard with Burt Lancaster - released a statement to share her delight at being picked for the poster.

"I am honoured and proud to be flying the flag for the 70th Festival de Cannes and delighted with this choice of photo.

"It's the image I myself have of the festival, of an event that illuminates everything around.

"That dance on the rooftops of Rome... reminds me of my origins, and of a time when I never dreamed of climbing the steps of the world's most famous cinema hall."

The Cannes Film Festival - which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year - will run from 17 to 28 May.

Pedro Almodóvar has been selected as the festival's President of the Jury, while Monica Bellucci will open and close the event's ceremonies.

From: Harper's BAZAAR UK
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Naomi Gordon

Naomi Gordon is news writer mainly covering entertainment news with a focus on celebrity interviews and television.