Cannes 2025: ‘No nudity on red carpet’, ‘no sneakers’ and other unique rules

The 2025 Cannes Film Festival is all set to take place in the city of Cannes from May 13 to May 24. The theme for this year is celebrating the theme is ‘Lights, Beauty and Action’. While the festival celebrates films, there are so many unique elements to it that are celebrated every year and are hard to miss including the red carpet and the fashionable looks that every celebrity pulls off. Interestingly, there are many aspects that have changed this year.

Here are unique facts to know about Cannes 2025, the 78th edition of the festival: 

‘No nudity’  
After many celebrities have pulled off some bold naked looks over the years across festivals, the Cannes 2025 dress code has banned nudity on the red carpet or anywhere within the premises. The festival website says, “for decency reasons”. While the rules are in place, will there be people who break them? We will just have to wait and see. 

Beyond that, they are also not allowing voluminous dresses with a large train, especially those that make it difficult for the passage of guests. 

Suits and dresses 
For the Grand Theatre Lumière gala screenings, the requirement is evening wear that includes a long dress or tuxedo. People can also wear “a little black dress”, a cocktail dress, a dark-coloured pantsuit, a dressy top with black pants, according to the Cannes 2025 website. People can also wear a black or navy-blue suit with bowtie or dark-coloured tie.

‘No sneakers’
While sneakers are always in fashion, the Cannes has said sneakers aren’t allowed during the screenings but instead people can wear elegant shoes and sandals with or without a heel. 

Firsts for India

Alia Bhatt’s debut 
This year will also see Alia Bhatt make her debut at Cannes 2025 as L`Oréal Paris’ brand ambassador along with their longstanding brand ambassador Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. It also marks the beauty brand’s 28th year at the festival. 

Bhatt will be joined by other global ambassadors including Eva Longoria, Viola Davis, Jane Fonda, Aja Naomi King, Andie MacDowell, Simone Ashley, Elle Fanning, Bebe Vio, and Yseult.

Payal Kapadia’s debut on the jury
After winning praise and an award for ‘All We Imagine As Light’ at Cannes 2024, Mumbai’s very own filmmaker Payal Kapadia is set to be on the jury at Cannes 2025.