On May 18th, Campari hosted one of the Croisette’s biggest film parties. Acclaimed actor Mads Mikkelsen returned to Cannes – where he previously won Best Actor for The Hunt - and surprised guests by stepping behind the bar to unveil his own twist on the iconic Negroni. This unique moment was captured in a short film, where he masterfully embodied the ritual of cocktail creation — a performance he also brought to life for special guests during Campari’s unforgettable event on May 18th in Cannes.
Mads Mikkelsen said: “To be back in Cannes, surrounded by such inspiring, passionate filmmakers and storytellers, is always a privilege. The Negroni is an iconic Campari cocktail, served in the world’s best bars, making it the perfect mixology creation to honour the incredible films showcased here. Crafting a twist on this classic cocktail felt like a fitting way to mark the occasion. I have been fortunate to have films nominated and even win in Cannes, and this Negroni variation is a tribute to the visionaries who make the festival extraordinary.”
For over 40 years, Campari has celebrated cinema by partnering with world-class talent and bringing its signature Red Passion to international film festivals. At Cannes, this legacy continues by hosting exclusive after-parties for major premieres including Amrum (with Diane Kruger, Matthias Schweighöfer, Detlev Buck, Laura Tonke, and Hark Bohm), Heads or Tails? (with John C. Reilly, Nadia Tereszkiewicz and Alessandro Borghi), and Fuori (featuring director Mario Martone, screenwriter Ippolita di Majo, and stars Valeria Golino, Matilda De Angelis, Elodie, and Corrado Fortuna).
The iconic Italian, red-coloured bitter aperitif also continued its partnership with leading voices in the film industry. At Campari by Hyde Beach, the brand welcomed The Hollywood Reporter where together they held a celebration to mark the upcoming premiere of cover-star Spike Lee’s highly anticipated new film, Highest 2 Lowest. Meanwhile, inside the Campari Lounge earlier in the week, The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter featured Oscar-winner Sissy Spacek reflecting on her career and her return to Cannes with Die My Love, directed by Lynne Ramsay.
Further underlining its support for the industry, Campari marked the festival hosting a panel conversation in partnership with global non-profit Breaking Through The Lens, featuring an intimate discussion between actress-director Kristen Stewart and actor-producer Kim Gordon ahead of the world premiere of The Chronology of Water. The panel explored marginalised filmmakers, cross-disciplinary storytelling and redefining the framework of creative expression.
Andrea Neri, Managing Director House of Aperitifs, said: “At Cannes 2025, Campari celebrated the passion and creativity at the heart of cinema. From exclusive launches to premiere events, we showcased our dedication to bold, original storytelling. Campari embodies an essence that is complex, artistic, and driven by those who push creative boundaries. We’re proud to support fearless voices shaping the future of film.”