Fresh off the heels of the Met Gala, we’re straight into another A-list event: the Cannes Film Festival. Now in its 79th edition, the historic festival has once again transformed the French Riviera — where The White Lotus Season 4 is currently filming, FYI — into a global stage where film, fashion, celebrity and culture collide.
This is a festival where anything can happen. Standing ovations can turn directors into household names. Premieres can launch Oscar campaigns. And outfit choices can go down in history (who can forget Bella Hadid’s red Alexandre Vauthier gown, Julia Roberts going barefoot in Armani Privé and Princess Diana in a powder blue Catherine Walker). That’s why it pays to pay attention to who’s there, what’s screening and what everyone’s wearing.
This year promises to be as headline-worthy as ever, with a star-studded jury and both Barbra Streisand and Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson in town to receive honorary Palme d’Or awards for lifetime achievements. The latter was presented with his award on Tuesday by Elijah Wood, who famously played Frodo Baggins in the epic trilogy.
Back to the fashion. The event’s opening ceremony served up its usual splendor, with a number of celebrities dressing diplomatically in French labels. While there have been concerns that this year’s edition of the festival would miss its normal injection of glamour due to major Hollywood studios largely skipping the event, a handful of iconic A-listers ensured the Croisette still sparkled.
Jury members Demi Moore and Ruth Negga impressed in their high-fashion looks — and have continued to do so as the event has progressed — accompanied by the likes of Jane Fonda, Gillian Anderson (who is experiencing one very successful Cannes debut), Heidi Klum, Kelly Rutherford, Joan Collins and The Fast and the Furious cast, as well as the late Paul Walker’s daughter, Meadow Walker, who appeared in Fast X, the 2023 film from franchise.
Barbara Palvin and Dylan Sprouse attend the Histoires Parallèles screening on May 14.
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Congratulations to the gorgeous couple! Barbara Palvin and Dylan Sprouse attended the Histoires Parallèles screening on May 14, where they made quite the announcement: They’re expecting their first child! Debuting her baby bump, Palvin stepped out in a sweet baby-blue Miu Miu gown with a dreamy empire waist and feathered hem. Sprouse looked sharp in a navy suit. This wasn’t their only red carpet moment…
Barbara Palvin and Dylan Sprouse attend the Karma screening on May 15.
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We’ll never tire of these two! Palvin and Sprouse also walked the Karma red carpet on May 15 in coordinating looks. Sprouse wore a black suit with a cropped jacket, while Palvin wore a white button-down and a black floor-length skirt with a charming cummerbund-like waist, inspired by Karl Lagerfeld’s style.
Simone Ashley attends the Karma screening on May 15.
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Miranda Priestly would be proud! The Devil Wears Prada 2 star Simone Ashley showed off her sartorial prowess at the Karma screening on May 15, when she stepped out in a strapless red Alexander McQueen gown from fall/winter 2005.
Dua Lipa spotted during the Cannes Film Festival on May 15.
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Dua Lipa is in town! The “End of an Era” pop star kept things casual in a monochromatic, deep purple Ferragamo set with a corseted, lace-up detail. She opted for matching, bright red accessories: a shoulder bag and mules.
Riley Keough attends the Soudain screening on May 15.
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For the screening of Soudain on May 15, Riley Keough wore a strapless black Alaïa gown with a drop waist and voluminous midi-length skirt. Keough kept her accessories to a minimum: a simple yet statement gold band around her waist.
Cara Delevingne poses during the Club Kid photocall on May 15.
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What’s not to love about this look from Cara Delevingne? The model attended the Club Kid photocall on May 15 in a navy pinstriped suit with a sheer polka dot dress shirt underneath, designed by Tom Ford for Haider Ackermann. The ensemble’s crisp lines perfectly juxtaposed Delevingne’s shaggy rocker hairdo.
Marion Cotillard attends the Karma screening on May 15.
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It doesn’t get more rocker-chic than this. Karma star Marion Cotillard attended the film’s red carpet premiere on May 15 in head-to-toe Chanel. The French actor’s edgy look consisted of a black leather dress with drawstring-like straps, a slight drop waist and fringed hem. Cotillard’s dress and pumps were adorned with Chanel’s signature gold CC logo hardware.
Ella Bleu Travolta and John Travolta attend the Karma screening on May 15.
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It was a family affair at the screening of Karma on May 15. John Travolta walked the red carpet alongside his daughter, Ella Bleu Travolta. The acclaimed actor wore a dark navy suit and cream-colored beret, while Ella opted for a black floor-length gown.
Demi Moore attends the Fatherland screening on May 14.
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Jury member Demi Moore stepped out in a red Gucci gown with a statement, structured neckline. Moore’s sparkly Chopard jewels made for the most glamorous finishing touches.
Hannah Einbinder attends the Kering Women in Motion event on May 14.
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Simple yet sophisticated! Hacks star Hannah Einbinder attended the Kering Women in Motion event on May 14 in a strapless black gown, which she paired with white loafers.
Sara Sampaio attends the Fatherland screening on May 14.
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No notes for Sara Sampaio! The model and Victoria’s Secret Angel looked ethereal at the Fatherland screening on May 14, when she stepped out in a pale yellow, strapless Miu Miu gown. We’re not sure what we love more: the intricate corseted bodice or the layers of ruffled tulle!
Demi Moore attends the La Vie D’Une Femme screening on May 13.
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Demi Moore offset the red carpet beautifully in a shimmery, lavender gown by Gucci on the second evening of the festival. A dramatic train, wet-look hair and a transparent skirt ensured the outfit would go down in the Cannes Film Festival fashion history books.
Meadow Walker attends The Fast and the Furious screening on May 13.
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Making her Cannes Film Festival red carpet debut, Meadow Walker — the only child of Paul Walker — joined her The Fast and the Furious family for a 25th anniversary screening of the film in a ribbed, gold two-piece.
Jordana Brewster attends The Fast and the Furious screening on May 13.
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Jordana Brewster changed from the pinstripe pantsuit she had worn for The Fast and the Furious photo-call into a black dress for the film’s anniversary screening, featuring a ribcage-to-ankle lace panel.
Michelle Rodriguez attends The Fast and the Furious screening on May 13.
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Michelle Rodriguez opted for a more ethereal red carpet ensemble, wearing a metallic, embellished ballgown featuring a corset and a layered, tulle train.
Vin Diesel attends The Fast and the Furious screening on May 13.
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Vin Diesel clearly demonstrated his loyalty to the franchise with his outfit: a personalized suit jacket featuring the car his character drives in the movies — a 1970 Dodge Charger.
Gillian Anderson on May 13.
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Gillian Anderson — making her Cannes debut for her movie Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma — kept things simple at the film’s screening in a minimalist Miu Miu white column dress, enhanced by beaded accents.
Aja Naomi King attends the screening of La Vie D’Une Femme on May 13.
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How to Get Away With Murder alumna Aja Naomi King also wore white. For the screening of La Vie D’Une Femme, King paired a floral lace-effect gown with ruffled sleeves and a choker.
Ruth Negga at the La Vie D’Une Femme screening.
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Also at the La Vie D’Une Femme screening, jury member Ruth Negga showcased her sartorial prowess in a black tulle and lace gown by Saint Laurent.
Sara Sampaio at the La Vie D’Une Femme screening on May 13.
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Sara Sampaio shimmered in an iridescent, strapless dress with a peplum waist.
Alia Bhatt attends La Vie D’Une Femme screening on May 13.
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British-Indian actor and L’Oréal Paris ambassador Alia Bhatt, who is making her Cannes debut, wore a Danielle Frankel gown with a lace choker and a full skirt.
Heidi Klum attends Jane & Gong Li’s dinner celebration during the 79th Cannes Film Festival on May 13.
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Heidi Klum turned to British designer Julien Macdonald for the asymmetric beaded dress she wore to Jane & Gong Li’s dinner celebration on May 13.
Jane Fonda attends Jane & Gong Li’s dinner celebration during the 79th Cannes Film Festival on May 13.
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A tailored pantsuit is one of Jane Fonda’s red carpet staples, so it stands to reason she would pack at least one for Cannes. This set, elevated by floral motifs on the blazer, was paired with metallic pumps.
Jordana Brewster poses during The Fast and the Furious photo-call on May 13.
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In Cannes for a 25th anniversary screening of The Fast and the Furious at midnight on Wednesday, actor Jordana Brewster chose a pinstripe pantsuit for her French Riviera debut. A statement pearl choker completed the look.
Michelle Rodriguez before a special screening of The Fast and the Furious.
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Joining Brewster, was her fellow female lead in the franchise, Michelle Rodriguez. The actor arrived wearing slouchy white suit pants, worn with a loose-fitting shirt and chunky Isabel Marant sneakers.
Meadow Walker at The Fast and the Furious photo-call on May 13.
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Meadow Walker, the only child of Paul Walker, who died in 2013, paired jeans with a statement belt, white shirt and tailored jacket.
Gillian Anderson at a photo-call for Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma on May 13.
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Gillian Anderson wore an embellished Miu Miu column dress to Wednesday’s photo-call for Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, her latest film, directed by Jane Schoenbrun. But her hair, blown out in enviable disco curls, was the real triumph.
Demi Moore at the opening ceremony on May 12.
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Demi Moore chose to repeat the silhouette — and designer — she had worn earlier that day for the opening ceremony. She traded her daytime look — a playful, polka dot Jacquemus number — for another strapless, sculpted gown. But this time, the dress was sleek, floor-length and coated in sequins.
Ruth Negga at the opening ceremony dinner on May 12.
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Also at the opening ceremony, Ruth Negga gave a nod to the ’90s in a Dior mint green negligee-inspired slip dress with black lace accents and dramatic fringing.
Jane Fonda at the opening ceremony on May 12.
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Jane Fonda was also in attendance — and also opted for sequins. The actor’s high-neck, long-sleeve and floor-sweeping black Gucci gown ensured she glittered from head to toe.
Kelly Rutherford at the opening ceremony on May 12.
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Fonda’s look was not dissimilar to that of Gossip Girl’s Kelly Rutherford, who also walked the red carpet in a black, glittering dress — but a more transparent take from Giorgio Armani, without the high neck.
Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu at the opening ceremony on May 12.
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Another standout, yet surprising, look was delivered by Emily in Paris star Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, who is known for her fairly minimalist outfits — and this is anything but. Nevertheless, the actor was as fashion-forward as ever in a plum ruffled Saint Laurent gown, complete with a train.
Heidi Klum at the opening ceremony on May 12.
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Heidi Klum, a week after her head-turning statuesque Met Gala outfit, was back to looking like her model self in a peach gown by Elie Saab. The sculptured dress was adorned with an oversize flower on the bodice, a twist design at the waist and a cascading train.
Joan Collins at the opening ceremony on May 12.
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We would be remiss to exclude Joan Collins from this lineup. The British legend, known for her role in Dynasty, defied her 92 years in an eye-catching orchid-inspired Stéphane Rolland couture dress, paired with diamonds and opera gloves.
Mette-Marie Kongsved and Elijah Wood attend the opening ceremony of Cannes Film Festival 2026.
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Lord of the Rings star Elijah Wood walked the red carpet with his wife, Danish producer Mette-Marie Kongsved, on May 12 ahead of presenting Peter Jackson with his Palme d’Or award for lifetime achievements.
Poppy Delevingne at the opening ceremony on May 12.
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Poppy Delevingne represented Britain in a John Galliano dress, featuring lace accents and a flared hem. Chopard jewels finished the look.
Alia Bhatt on May 12.
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Alia Bhatt wore a Tamara Ralph haute couture gown for her Cannes red carpet debut. The bright coral silk crêpe corseted column dress featured a structured neckline and plunging cutout detail and was accompanied by a silk voile chiffon scarf.
Demi Moore wearing Jacquemus.
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The first fits of the season were revealed on Tuesday at the jury photo-call — the daytime event that always kicks off proceedings. All eyes were on Demi Moore, one of this year’s jury members, who chose a playful ensemble for the occasion: a strapless, fishtail dress adorned with polka dots and a matching bag plucked from the Jacquemus Fall 2026 collection. A celebratory look that got us excited for the other outfits Moore and stylist Brad Goreski have packed.
Ruth Negga wearing Celine on Tuesday.
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Ruth Negga was equally fashion-forward on Tuesday. The Ethiopian-Irish actor, who was nominated for an Academy Award in 2017 for her role in Loving, wore chic yet slouchy wide-leg white satin pants and a matching blouse from French fashion house Celine.
Gillian Anderson wearing Huishan Zhang.
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For a Vanity Fair lunch on day one of the festival, Gillian Anderson wore a Huishan Zhang button-down dress.