Cannes Makes it Official: Nudity and “Voluminous Outfits” Are Banned on Red Carpet

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Nipples and unruly dresses are out in Cannes.

Prior to the 2025 event, the Cannes Film Festival has revised their red carpet dress code, now forbidding complete nudity and excessively large outfits. In simpler terms, nudity is disallowed on the red carpet, as well as throughout the entire festival. Moreover, grandiose attire with trains that may obstruct guest traffic or create seating issues in the theater are not allowed. The festival’s staff will be responsible for denying red carpet access to individuals who do not adhere to these guidelines.

The Hollywood Reporter contacted the press office at Cannes for further clarification, and a representative confirmed that the guidelines have been revised to encompass rules that have already been in place. The purpose of this update is not to impose a dress code but rather to prohibit full nudity on the red carpet, in harmony with the established norms of the festival as well as French law, according to the Cannes representative.

Over the past few years, numerous celebrities like Elle Fanning, Bella Hadid, and Kendall Jenner have been seen wearing revealing outfits at Cannes. In 2022, a woman went topless on the red carpet as a protest for Ukraine, and was escorted off. It’s unclear if one specific incident led to an update in the charter, but discussions about nudity on the red carpet have become more common due to Kanye West and his wife Bianca Censori’s bold move at the Grammys. Their stunt involved her posing for photographers in a see-through dress that was essentially naked. On a different note, Tems made a statement at the Oscars in 2023 with a voluminous white gown, so large it blocked the view of guests behind her in the Dolby Theatre.

Security personnel at Cannes have a reputation for being stringent regarding dress codes at the Palais, especially during screenings held at the Grand Théâtre Lumière, a venue known for hosting high-profile world premieres. For these evening screenings (7-10 p.m.), formal attire such as tuxedos or long gowns is mandatory. Suggestions include black tie and tuxedo, little black dress or cocktail dress, dark-colored pantsuit, or a dressy top paired with black pants. Elegant shoes, sandals (with or without a heel), black or navy-blue suits with bow-tie or dark-colored tie are acceptable. Tote-bags, backpacks, and large bags are not allowed.

A decade past, a heated argument erupted when numerous women were denied entry at the Palais due to not wearing heels prior to a screening of the film Carol, starring Cate Blanchett. Notable movie stars like Emily Blunt (in town for Sicario) expressed their disappointment, sparking others to voice their disapproval towards the unspoken dress code that eventually became more lenient during the 2015 festival. The long-standing festival director, Thierry Fremaux, attempted to minimize the incident by labeling it as an unsubstantiated rumor.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve always admired how Fremaux pours his heart into preserving the unique charm of this festival. He puts in extra effort to ensure the red carpet event exudes an authentic, captivating atmosphere. Remember when selfies were banned back in 2015? Well, Fremaux wasn’t shy about calling it a “ridiculous and grotesque” practice. And let me tell you, security here is swift and unyielding, quick to escort away any protestors or individuals trying to turn the spotlight on themselves for personal gain.

The fresh prohibition against immodest clothing and extravagant attire follows these guidelines, yet it raises two intriguing queries: How vigilantly will this dress code be implemented, and might high-profile celebrities like A-list actors or models face expulsion for violating the regulations? Despite the mandatory footwear, stars such as Julia Roberts and Kristen Stewart have discarded their heels to gracefully ascend the Palais steps without shoes.

Additionally, it’s likely that guests from the festival’s partner brands such as Chopard, L’Oreal, and Kering will have less stringent rules applied to them. In the past, prominent figures associated with these brands have made a grand entrance at the Palais in extravagant or revealing outfits. This means that more attention than usual will be focused on the red carpet and any unexpected events during the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, which takes place from May 13 to May 24.

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2025-05-12 19:54