The Cannes Film Festival is one of the most prestigious and glamorous events in global cinema. Held annually in the French Riviera, it celebrates excellence in filmmaking and brings together the industry’s biggest talents. Beyond the films, Cannes is equally renowned for its show-stopping red carpet fashion.
Since its inception in 1946, the festival has been a stage for cinematic art and international style. Stars, directors, and designers all converge to make their mark both onscreen and on the iconic steps of the Palais des Festivals. Each year, Cannes sets the bar for elegance, creativity, and cultural influence.
Before we round up the best looks from this year, we take a moment to look back on some of the most iconic Cannes red carpet looks from the past that still live rent-free in our minds. From Angelina Jolie’s yellow Emanuel Ungaro dress in 2007 to Natalie Portman’s custom Dior gown inspired by the legendary Junon dress from Christian Dior’s 1949-1950 collection, these standout moments have shaped fashion history and defined red carpet glamour.
Charlize Theron (2004)
Charlize Theron wore a mint green Dior Haute Couture satin gown by John Galliano for the premiere of ‘De-Lovely’ and closing ceremony of the 57th Cannes Film Festival. Her look was further elevated with matching-coloured eye makeup, drop earrings, and gold embellished sandals.
Angelina Jolie (2007)
During the 60th annual Cannes Film Festival, Angelina Jolie stunned in a yellow Emanuel Ungaro gown. Her look for the Ocean’s 13 premiere was also paired with accessories from Chopard and styled with her hair half-up.
Cara Delevigne (2013)
Cara Delevinge famously wore a black lacy dress from Burberry to attend The Great Gatsby premiere at the 66th Cannes Film Festival in 2013. The Britsh model paired the look with Chopard jewellery and a bold red lip.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley (2014)
In 2014, British supermodel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley attended the Cannes’ premiere of The Search in a pleated icy Gucci Première gown. She completed the look with earrings from de Grisogono, smokey eyes, and a dark-pink lip.
Blake Lively (2014)
Blake Lively channelled Old Hollywood glam at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival with a black and white Gucci Première tuxedo dress. The iconic look also included 180 carats of Lorraine Schwartz diamond jewellery, red lipstick, and matching red nails.
Lupita Nyong’o (2015)
During the 68th annual Cannes Film Festival, Lupita Nyong’o opted for a vibrant green pleated Gucci dress with floral appliqués scattered around the plunging neckline. She added diamond drop earrings from Chopard, a sparkly headband, and fuchsia lipstick to complete the look.
Diane Kruger (2015)
In 2015, actress Diane Kruger graced the Cannes red carpet in a pale blue backless Prada dress. As for accessories, she opted to go with classic white diamond jewels from Harry Winston.
Julia Roberts (2016)
Julia Roberts made her Cannes red carpet debut in a classy black Armani Privé dress, paired with an emerald and diamond Chopard necklace. She later went barefoot in protest of the festival’s rule requiring women to wear heels – a dress code many criticised for its outdated double standards. As of 2025, the rule is no longer enforced, with the official Cannes website now stating that “elegant shoes and sandals with or without a heel (no sneakers)” are permitted.
Bella Hadid (2021)
Bella Hadid turned heads at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival with this form-fitting black gown and lung-inspired necklace by Schiaparelli. The bronchi-inspired intricacies of the necklace made it a striking statement piece, echoing the heightened focus on respiratory health back in 2021.
Anne Hathaway (2022)
In 2022, Anne Hathaway made her Cannes red carpet debut in a white sequinned column gown with a floor-length silk bow drape by Armani Privé. She further elevated her look with a dazzling Bulgari piece that featured 10.715 carats of royal blue cushion-cut sapphire from Sri Lanka and silver strappy pumps from Jimmy Choo.
Fan Bing Bing (2023)
Fan Bingbing attended the Cannes premiere of Jeanne du Barry in a breathtaking ball gown by Christopher Bu, featuring intricate embroidery of tigers in the forest. She completed the dramatic look with a chignon-style updo and sparkling emerald jewellery.
Elle Fanning (2023)
Elle Fanning wore a custom Alexander McQueen gown at the 76th annual Cannes Film Festival, featuring a structured corset bodice and flowing champagne tulle skirt. The ethereal look was completed with a sleek updo, luminous makeup, and a Cartier Perles de Diamants necklace – an antique-inspired choker adorned with polished beads and brilliant-cut diamonds.
Jennifer Lawrence (2023)
Back in 2023, Jennifer Lawrence attended the Cannes premiere of Bread and Roses in a red Dior gown designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri, featuring a structured bodice, subtle ruffles, and a matching stole. She finished the look with a delicate white gold and diamond necklace from Dior’s fine jewellery collection, softly waved hair, and minimal makeup.
Natalie Portman (2023)
During the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, Natalie Portman wore a stunning recreation of Dior’s iconic 1949 Junon gown to the May December premiere. The ethereal piece featured a white strapless bodice and a voluminous skirt adorned with blue cascading petal-like embellishments. She paired the archival-inspired look with a sleek updo, natural makeup, and dazzling Tiffany & Co. diamond jewellery.
Anya Taylor-Joy (2024)
Anya Taylor-Joy wore a stunning nude strapless Dior gown covered in crystals at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. Her look for the Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga premiere was completed with sleek hair, a deep red lip, and a statement necklace and cocktail ring by Tiffany & Co..
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