Elle Fanning Declares ‘Joachim Trier Summer’ at Cannes Amid ‘Sentimental Value’ Raves, Says She’s ‘Grown in My Autonomy and Speaking Up’ as an Actor

Charli xcx first declared a “Joachim Trier summer” at Coachella, and now Elle Fanning — one of the stars of his new film “Sentimental Value” — is doubling down.

On Thursday, Fanning rocked a white T-shirt bearing the phrase to the Cannes Film Festival press conference for the film, which earned the longest standing ovation of the competition so far on Wednesday night with a rapturous 15 minutes. The reception has added to buzz that the film could be the frontrunner for this year’s Palme d’Or.

When asked about Fanning’s shirt during the press conference, Trier said to Fanning: “I was stoked that you made that. Charli xcx gave a little hello to us and we are super grateful. I love her music, she’s awesome. I know Elle’s a fan too. The problem is, I’ve been working so much for the last three years I don’t even know what a Joachim Trier summer is anymore. But I’d like to have one.”

The 27-year-old Fanning, who grew up in the spotlight as a child star alongside her sister Dakota, also spoke about how her career has evolved over the years after a journalist noted that this may be her most mature role yet. She plays Rachel Kemp, a Hollywood starlet who is offered a part in a very personal film from director Gustav Borg (Stellan Skarsgard) that he first offered to his daughter Nora (Renate Reinsve). Eventually, Rachel backs out of the project after getting mixed up in their family drama.

“I’ve never been in the same position as Rachel because I’ve never gotten so far down the road before, but I read a script and thought, ‘Gosh I’m just not right for her. Maybe this other character’s better.’ I’ve done that before. And I’ve definitely not done things because I didn’t think I was quite right for it or wasn’t right for it,” she said, adding: “I’m definitely instinctual … I myself have definitely grown in my autonomy and speaking up over the years in this business.”