Director Stephen Frears (The Queen) was instead accompanied by Arterton's co-stars Dominic Cooper and Tamsin Greig.

BBC: Gemma Arterton misses Cannes film premiere

The new Stephen Frears film considers the deadlock, both grieving and comical, that followed the death of the Princess of Wales in 1997.

NEWYORKER: The Queen

Director Stephen Frears, Dame Helen and screenwriter Peter Morgan are all guaranteed nominations, while the film will take one of the best picture slots.

BBC: NEWS | Entertainment | Oscars panel: Scott Williams