Million-Dollar Jewelry Heist Hits Cannes as ‘Bling Ring’ Premeires

First, art was imitating life. Now life is imitating art.

Over a million dollars worth of designer jewelry set to adorn stars on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet was stolen — notably, during the Thursday evening screening of BlingRing, the true story of teens who robbed homes of the rich and famous — according to French police.

The gems, creations from the Swiss-based luxury jeweler Chopard, were taken from a company employee’s room at the Novotel Cannes Montfleury Hotel. Police sources told theDaily Mail that jewels were locked in a security safe, which the thieves tore from the wall and lifted from the room.

More than a mainstay on the necks of celebrities, Chopard has been a sponsoring partner of Cannes since 1998, designing the Palme d’Or award, hosting parties to honor films, and of course, creating jewelry to make the star shine during the iconic mounting of the steps at the annual famed festival. Already at this year’s event, Chopard gems has graced the likes ofJulianne Moore, Cindy Crawford and Cara Delevingne, while they were worn last year by Jessica Chastain, Reese Witherspoon and Marion Cotillard.

Of course, it seems no coincidence that the theft transpired during the very hours that Bling Ring lit up the Cannes big screen. Written and directed by Oscar-winning Sofia Coppola, the docudrama was inspired by the true story of a group of fame-hungry Los Angeles teenagers who broke into celebrity homes to swipe their shoes, clothes and — read closely — jewelry.

It’s like the circle of…crime?

Million-Dollar Jewelry Heist Hits Cannes as ‘Bling Ring’ Premeires

First, art was imitating life. Now life is imitating art.

Over a million dollars worth of designer jewelry set to adorn stars on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet was stolen — notably, during the Thursday evening screening of BlingRing, the true story of teens who robbed homes of the rich and famous — according to French police.

The gems, creations from the Swiss-based luxury jeweler Chopard, were taken from a company employee’s room at the Novotel Cannes Montfleury Hotel. Police sources told theDaily Mail that jewels were locked in a security safe, which the thieves tore from the wall and lifted from the room.

More than a mainstay on the necks of celebrities, Chopard has been a sponsoring partner of Cannes since 1998, designing the Palme d’Or award, hosting parties to honor films, and of course, creating jewelry to make the star shine during the iconic mounting of the steps at the annual famed festival. Already at this year’s event, Chopard gems has graced the likes ofJulianne Moore, Cindy Crawford and Cara Delevingne, while they were worn last year by Jessica Chastain, Reese Witherspoon and Marion Cotillard.

Of course, it seems no coincidence that the theft transpired during the very hours that Bling Ring lit up the Cannes big screen. Written and directed by Oscar-winning Sofia Coppola, the docudrama was inspired by the true story of a group of fame-hungry Los Angeles teenagers who broke into celebrity homes to swipe their shoes, clothes and — read closely — jewelry.

It’s like the circle of…crime?

Emma Watson Goes Pantless For W Magazine, Says She Was Never Excited To Be Sexy

Emma Watson may be all grown up, but being a sex symbol certainly isn’t her ultimate goal.

Appearing without bottoms on the cover of W Magazine‘s June/July issue, the former Harry Potter star tells the fashion glossy that it was never in her mind to be a sexy star.

“I’ve never wanted to grow up too fast. I wanted to wear a sports bra until I was 22!” she says. “The allure of being sexy never really held any excitement for me.”

“I’ve never been in a terrible rush to be seen as a woman.”

Though the 23-year-old recently appeared in British GQ sporting what some considers the epitome of sexiness, Julia Roberts‘ famous Pretty Woman getup, Watson says she’s still uncomfortable with all the barely-there costumes she has to wear for her adult roles now.

Case in point: her latest movie, Sofia Coppola‘s The Bling Ring.

“Who wouldn’t love to go to work in Uggs and very low-slung tracksuit bottoms?” the star says her Alexis Neiers-inspired Pretty Wild attire. “At one point I told the costumer designer, ‘You can see my bra strap in this top; shouldn’t we pin it?’ And she said, ‘No, sweetie — Nicki is all about her bra strap showing.’ I was like, Right, okay, different mind-set.”

Emma and Sofia on the Real Bling Ring: "An Extraordinary Set of Circumstances"

Emma Watson and Sofia Coppola discussed their new film, The Bling Ring, today during a press conference at the Cannes Film Festival. The conference came after a morning photocall and before their big premiere scheduled to take place this evening at the Palais des Festival. The Bling Ring, which is out in the US on June 14, is based on the true story of a group of fame-obsessed teens who tracked the outings of celebrities - including Paris Hilton, Orlando Bloom, and Megan Fox - via social media and then robbed their homes. Emma heads a cast that includes Taissa Farmiga, Katie Chang, Israel Broussard, and Claire Julien.

Today, the actors, along with Sofia, touched on the real story and the factors that made it possible for the burglars to locate and steal from the stars. Emma also reflected on what it's like being a woman in the film industry, and Sofia hinted that tonight's red carpet event will include a cameo from Paris herself. Here are highlights from the conference:

Sofia in Paris Hilton's rumored appearance: "Paris Hilton and them haven't seen it, but I heard they might be coming tonight."

Sofia on the robbers whose stories inspired the film: "We made a movie. I'm not too concerned about their reactions."

Emma on what it's like for women in the film industry: "I am young, and . . . from why I see, young women are at the helm of franchises I see coming out. We are forging a new way in comedy. From what I can see, it's a great time to be a woman in this industry."

Emma on the prevalence of social media: "I think it's amazing how self-aware people are becoming. . . . I think it's a shame . . . "

Sofia on walking a fine line in being inspired by their story: "I definitely didn't want to add to their celebrity because of what they did."

On whether or not the based-on-a-true-story film makes them depressed about the 20-something generation - Emma: "It was an extraordinary set of circumstances."

Sofia: "Knowing my actors gives me hope."

Celebrate Friday’s Arrival With A Cannes Caption Contest Starring Emma Watson!

I have some good news, and I have some bad news. The good news is that it’s Friday! The bad news is that we have to wait until Monday for another Caption Contest. I trust you’ll all be able to handle this heartbreak in a mature fashion. Please, don’t egg my house or kidnap my dog. And whatever you do, don’t take your anger out on the beautiful Emma Watson! It’s not her fault!

Before I leave you to your own devices, however, let me share with you a few of my favorite captions for this photo. Savor these morsels, my friends, for it will be three days until a new installment!

“ If only Ron Weasley knew what he was missing.” – Johnny

“Do the robot!!” - Nicky

“crop-dust mission accomplished” – Catina

Congrats to our winners! Visit our Facebook page for a new Caption Contest each and every weekday.

Emma Watson Arrives in France to Get the Cannes Party Started

Emma Watson looked like a movie star from head to toe today when she arrived in Nice. The Nice Airport, just about one hour from Cannes, was Emma's entry into France ahead of her appearance at the Cannes Film Festival. Emma will be on hand to present her film The Bling Ring along with director Sofia Coppola. They're screening the movie, based on the true story about a group of young people who robbed Hollywood celebrities, ahead of its opening in the US on June 14 - check out the Bling Ring trailer. Emma's one of many stars expected on the Croisette for the festival, which officially kicks off tomorrow. Before then, look back at our roundup of the most glam Cannes photos ever!