The 2017 Pirelli calendar: ‘The talent is more important than a great body’

Pirelli has unveiled a star-studded lineup for its 2017 calendar that looks more like the ultimate Oscar red carpet than the stuff of salacious pin-ups.

Among the subjects announced Sunday are actresses Nicole Kidman, Uma Thurman, Kate Winslet, Julianne Moore, Robin Wright, Rooney Mara, Lupita Nyong’o, Penélope Cruz, Jessica Chastain, Lea Seydoux, Zhang Ziyi and Charlotte Rampling.

The youngest model, Alicia Vikander, is 27; the eldest, Helen Mirren, is 71.

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Pirelli seems to be setting a new standard when it comes to honouring women.

German photographer Peter Lindbergh, who also shot Pirelli’s trade calendar in 1996 and 2002, has been influential in shifting its concept from titillation toward a more cerebral sex appeal.

This calendar features more character, less skin; more T-shirts and turtlenecks, fewer bikinis.

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Lindbergh tells Vogue his visual theme is “that talent is more important than a great body.”

The photos shot by the acclaimed photographer were taken in five locations, over two continents.

Lindbergh also told Vogue that the images are “a love song to the women I really know and really like, and there’s no exception… Everyone in this calendar, at one point in my life, I wanted to marry, and I didn’t have the balls to ask them!”

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Official images have yet to be released but there are a few behind-the-scenes shots available here.

The calendar, first published in 1963, is known for its exclusivity and can’t be purchased. It’s given as a gift to limited number of customers and celebrities.

Models who have posed in previous years include Amy Schumer, Kate Moss, Yoko Ono and Hilary Swank.

With files from The Associated Press