CANNES, France — The Cannes Film Festival, renowned for its glamorous red carpet events, has now tightened its regulations even further by introducing a new rule: no nudity. Though previously unwritten, nudity has never been encouraged at the prestigious event. However, on the brink of its 78th edition, the festival organizers have officially updated the dress code policy, which now explicitly states that “nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as in any other area of the festival.”
The adaptation of the dress code, while typical in more conventional settings, attracted significant attention this Monday. This is partly due to the recent trend of sheer and “nude” dresses that have featured prominently at glamorous gatherings, such as seen in Bianca Censori’s Grammys ensemble.
In response to inquiries about the specifics of the policy, Cannes representatives clarified that they have merely formalized a rule that has been implicitly followed for years. The festival’s objective, they noted, is not to dictate the precise nature of attire. Their intent remains to prohibit complete nudity on the red carpet, upholding the prestigious event’s standing and adhering to French legal norms.
Additionally, the Cannes policy states that excessively voluminous garments, particularly those with expansive trains that disrupt the orderly flow of guests or complicate seating arrangements in theaters, are also disallowed.
Throughout the festival’s storied history, celebrities such as Bella Hadid, Naomi Campbell, and Kendall Jenner have often pushed the boundaries of fashion with daring outfits. Despite formal dress codes requiring black tie and evening wear for events at the Grand Théâtre Lumière, these guidelines are sometimes disregarded. In past years, security personnel have turned away women who didn’t follow the requirement of wearing heels, a stringent rule that’s seen some relaxation recently.
The festival has also seen a shift in its stance on photography. Since 2018, selfies have been banned, with Cannes director Thierry Frémaux previously criticizing them as “grotesque.” However, some of the biggest celebrities continue to capture their moment at the top of the famous Palais steps.
The Cannes Film Festival is all set to begin this Tuesday, maintaining its status as a largely anticipated event at the French Riviera.