She has never won an award for her acting - but after tonight's performance Elizabeth Hurley certainly deserves one for her nerve.
With Rachel Weisz belatedly pulling out of her fanfare red carpet appearance at the opening gala of the 60th Cannes Film Festival, Liz apparently saw her chance.
Miss Hurley had been in Cannes not for any particular acting commitment, but to be the star of a party thrown by jewellers Chopard happening later on in the evening. But when producers of My Blueberry Nights, the festival's critically-acclaimed opening movie found themselves without their Oscar-winning leading lady (Miss Weisz had been delayed on the set of her current film in Serbia), Miss Hurley was only too happy to oblige
Wearing an £8,000 Valentino gown, and £1 million worth of dazzling Chopard jewellery, the 41-year-old former actress did what she does best - and stole the show - as she sashayed down La Croisette. While she beamed at photographers and waved to bemused fans, Jude Law and folk singer Norah Jones made their own, far more sedate progress down the famous waterfront
Of course, Miss Hurley had every incentive to shine in her jewels.
Her latest public appearance comes five weeks after she was publicly disowned, and humiliated, by her new in-laws.
Accusing the model of "blatant and cynical commercialism", they hit out at husband Arun Nayar and Miss Hurley's over-the-top nuptials - which took place over two weeks in the Cotswolds and in India - as well as the models refusal to wear their wedding gift of a £35,000 ruby and diamond necklace.
But with no thought of her in-laws, the mother-of-one proudly sported her glittering jewellery last night.
Although there was no sign of her 43-year-old tycoon husband, the star, whose acting credits include Bad Boy, Double Whammy and Bedazzled, made do with the company of a host of other celebrities at a lavish cocktail afterparty. Miss Hurley's red carpet appearance was, for the local crowd anyway, slightly outshone by the arrival of the French actress Juliette Binoche, a festival regular. Though it was Hurley the assembled paparazzi went wild for.
Others who arrived included Kelly Brook and her partner Billy Zane, models Victoria Silvstedt and Eva Hertzgova.
Miss Hurley was not pictured with Andie MacDowell, who arrived on the red carpet slightly earlier.
The fashion conscious may remember that some 13 years ago Miss Hurley also rather upstaged Miss MacDowell on the red carpet of Four Weddings and A Funeral in London, on the arm of then beau Hugh Grant, and wearing that black Versace dress, barely held together by safety pins.
The star-studded party was very much in keeping with the starriest festival in Cannes' 60 year history.
Although there is not a single British entry in this year's competition instead American heavyweights such as the Coen Brothers and Quentin Tarantino dominate it is the most eagerly hyped fortnight in decades. Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Daniel Craig, George Clooney and Julia Roberts are all expected to grace the annual extravaganza of air-kissing, networking and glamour
More than 20 films are competing for the coveted Palme d'Or, ranging from big-name US productions to more obscure art house films from around the world. British director Ken Loach was the surprise winner of last year's trophy for his film, The Wind That Shakes The Barley.
I sure hope she'll be fine again because no man is worth it!
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