CANNES, France ― This year’s Cannes Film Festival is filled with big-budget movies like “Puss in Boots” and “Kung Fu Panda 2,” but on Thursday evening, the focus was on the realm of independent film.

Cannes judge Uma Thurman and actress Rosario Dawson were honored for their contributions to indie film. Also lauded were “Sleeping Beauty” director Jane Campion and the film’s producer, Jessica Brentnall, and a handful of other women.

Dawson has been in plenty of mainstream films, but says she will never forget her indie roots in films like “Kids.”

“I’ve been acting since I was 15, doing independent films and now we have all of these women directors who are being nominated and their films are being shown and put across this audience,” she said. “I think it’s fair and that’s exciting to see that over all these years.”

The event was held on the beach across from the celebrity filled Martinez hotel, and was hosted by Calvin Klein Collection and the Independent Filmmakers Project.

Vanessa Hudgens said she attended because she wanted to show her support for her fellow actresses.

“I think it’s really great when somebody gives women an opportunity to come out and stand up for what they are doing, and I’m so excited to be here,” Hudgens said.