The Cannes Film Festival is a global celebration of films, fashion, and everything in between – claiming to be the world’s biggest international film festival! Cannes has seen hundreds of international personalities, including Indian names, attend the prestigious film festival. Now, only a few hours remain before the French Riviera transforms into the epicenter of global cinema for a few days.
The 78th edition of the festival, set to take place in 2025 from 13 to 24 May, will see internationally renowned filmmakers and artists strutting down the coveted red carpet. Not just that, but it will also see hundreds of films from different countries contending to win big – including the prestigious Palme d’Or! The Cannes Film Festival is here and this year there is a lot that the film festival is doing differently.
Cannes Film Festival: New Rules, Attendees, And More
Cannes Film Festival: A Brief History
This international film festival claims to be the biggest film festival of the world. Conceived in 1939, the festival has taken place every year since its inception. It was only in 1948 and 1950 that the film festival got cancelled due to insufficient funds. Since then, the film festival has attracted thousands of filmmakers from across the world and has served as the launchpad for indie films, many of which have gone on to win big at the Oscars. These include the likes of Anora, Parasite, Anatomy of a Fall, and others.
The Cannes Film Festival has also worked particularly well for Indian representation on a global stage. Personalities like Aishwarya Rai, Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Vidya Balan, Deepika Padukone, Kangana Ranaut, Sonam Kapoor, Diana Penty, and many others have walked the red carpet for several years, cementing their status as global stars beyond mainstream Indian cinema.
New Dress Code Rules For Cannes Attendees
What we’re all excited about the most during the Cannes Film Festival week is watching our favorite celebrities don elaborate ensembles on the red carpet and roll out one stunning look after another. However, just a few days before the festival, it was announced that the dress code in Cannes Film Festival 2025 will be different from its past editions.
The Festival de Cannes Committee has stated that it aims to uphold the “prestige and formality” of the international film festival. Also, the festival will be showing zero tolerance to ‘nudity’ and ‘voluminous’ ensembles. Here’s an excerpt from the official statement:
“For decency reasons, nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as in any other area of the festival. Voluminous outfits, in particular those with a large train, that hinder the proper flow of traffic of guests and complicate seating in the theater are not permitted. The Festival welcoming teams will be obligated to prohibit Red Carpet access to anyone not respecting these rules”.
Cannes Film Festival: Indian Stars Who’ll Walk The Red Carpet
Each year, at least a handful of India’s most loved celebrities and filmmakers walk the red carpet at the Festival de Cannes. In fact, some celebrities like Aishwarya Rai, Deepika Padukone, and Priyanka Chopra have attended the film festival many times.
Rai and Padukone have even served on the Jury Panel of the international film festival – marking a significant milestone for South Asian representation. Aishwarya Rai is expected to walk again this year, continuing her two-decade legacy.
View this post on Instagram
This year, Bollywood A-lister Alia Bhatt will make her Cannes debut as the global brand ambassador of L’Oréal Paris. Bhatt recently made her debut at the MET Gala and it seems like the actor is having a field day on international red carpets.
Payal Kapadia, director of the Grand Prix winner All We Imagine As Light, will serve as the jury this year. The Indian film made history as it won the prestigious Grand Prix Prize and later went on to win several accolades internationally.
Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter, Neeraj Ghaywan, and Karan Johar will attend the Cannes Film Festival for the screening of their film Homebound. The Dharma Productions film, in a major win, will be backed by Martin Scorcese as he joins as the Executive Producer.
View this post on Instagram
Bollywood veteran Sharmila Tagore will also mark her presence at Cannes as she’ll attend a special screening of the 4K restored version of her film Aranyer Din Ratri, directed by cinema icon Satyajit Ray. Tagore has also been on the prestigious jury panel. Along with her, Simi Garewal will attend the screening.
Last but not least, Bollywood icon Urvashi Rautela will also attend the Cannes Film Festival. The actor has grabbed headlines in the past for her quirky yet stylish ensembles on the Cannes red carpet.
When And Where To Watch Cannes Film Festival Red Carpet
If you do not wish to miss out on breathtaking red carpet moments and important events at the Cannes Film Festival, you can watch it on the official Youtube channel of Festival de Cannes, movie-streaming site Mubi, as well as the official website of the Festival de Cannes.
The live streaming of the opening ceremony will begin at 7:15 PM local time – which is 10:45 PM for us Indians. For key highlights, red carpet moments, and behind-the-scenes snippets, you can also keep a tab on the official Instagram and X handles of Festival de Cannes.
Summing Up
The Cannes Film Festival is about to be a grand affair in 2025 as the world looks forward to the most influential film festival. While fashion designers, stylists, and celebrities are certainly disappointed with the film festival body’s move to police the dress code, we’re sure we’ll be seeing some stunning red carpet looks. Not just that, but Indian representation on the red carpet will continue to remain strong with the likes of Aishwarya Rai, Alia Bhatt, and others. How excited are you for the grand spectacle of the French Riviera?
FAQs
Can Anyone Go To The Cannes Film Festival?
No, not anyone can attend the Cannes Film Festival. Most of the film screenings are reserved only for industry professionals, however, there are certain film screenings and events that you can attend as the general public.
Who Gets Invited To Cannes?
The Cannes is a global event reserved exclusively for film industry and media professionals. These include the likes of filmmakers, directors, media creatives, actors, influencers, supermodels, and others.
Who All Attended Cannes From India?
Since its inception, many Indian film industry professionals have attended the Cannes Film Festival. Indian personalities who have attended the film festival include the likes of Aishwarya Rai, Sharmila Tagore, Mrinal Sen, Mira Nair, Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra, Sonam Kapoor, Vidya Balan, Diana Penty, Urvashi Rautela, and several others.
