In Cannes' hit 'Loving,' a humble love overpowers racism

CANNES, France (AP) — Jeff Nichols, sitting calmly by the beach, was surprised to notice a curious lack of butterflies amid the usually anxiety-ridden premiere experience at the Cannes Film Festival.

The Lovings didn't seek the spotlight, but their efforts to return home after being exiled from Virginia eventually led to the 1967 Supreme Court ruling of Loving vs.

Nichols and Edgerton believe the film has obvious significance at time when religious liberty laws and restroom battles are being fought in the U.S.

Of the many films in Cannes, "Loving," which Focus Features will release in the heart of awards season in November, is among the most likely to garner significant attention from both moviegoers and the Academy Awards.

Both actors drew from the famous images of the couple , who were photographed by Life magazine's Grey Villet (Michael Shannon in the film) in 1966.

"The court case is fascinating, but I just wanted to hang out in that documentary footage more," says Nichols.

[...] when the Supreme Court decision releases that weight, it's quite an overwhelming feeling.