Butt grab! Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara caught with hands on director’s derrière

Now that's what we call a Cannes Film Festival photo call!

In front of banks of photographers, Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara decided to give a squeeze to their Carol director Todd Haynes.

Not a hug, but a butt pat.

Your honor, we present this close-up shot as further proof.

No doubt the group was feeling pretty giddy following the absolutely overwhelming response to Carol, which had its  gala premiere here on Sunday -- right after this photo call and a press conference in which Blanchett got serious about her love life.

Not to worry. Haynes seemed to take it all in good fun.