Catherine Deneuve, the iconic French actress, laments the social media age, claiming is has led to the downfall of movie stars in France.

Catherine Deneuve, 71, who won a Bafta for her portrayal of Belle de Jour and has been nominated 31 times for a César – the French equivalent of the Academy Awards – told the Journal du Dimanche days before her latest film, La Tête Haute (Head High), debuts the 68th Annual Cannes film festival, that the glamorous days of the past are gone.

“There are no longer any stars in France. A star is someone who should be seen a little and then remain discreet, reserved. With the introduction of the digital age, the intrusion is into everything, everywhere and all the time,” Catherine Deneuve told the newspaper. “We see a huge amount about people who are very famous, who have millions of followers … and who have done absolutely nothing.”

Catherine Deneuve said she does use a cellphone, but uses it sparingly.

“I find the mobile telephone very useful, but I turn if off when necessary. I don’t dine with my mobile with me,” she said.

“It’s wonderful to be able to take photographs, but I detest selfies … taking photographs of yourself all the time, showing off on FaceTime … it makes everything banal. It’s terrible, this notion that we’re always in the process of looking at ourselves doing something and not living.”

Catherine Deneuve also lamented the changing aspect of the Cannes festival.

“It used to be very glamorous … it’s much less so today,” Catherine Deneuve said. “It’s still a challenge for actors. You arrive at the bottom of those huge steps with the red carpet, and television cameras and photographers … it’s really something, but it all goes away in a puff; you are queen for one day from 7pm and at midnight it’s finished.”