The Cannes Film Festival 2025 is just around the corner, and this year, the organizers are tightening up the red carpet rules—especially when it comes to revealing outfits. A new ban has been introduced that outright prohibits nudity anywhere at the festival, including the red carpet. The official festival guidelines state, “For decency reasons, nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as any other area of the festival.”
Cannes staff and welcoming teams will be tasked with enforcing this rule strictly. Anyone who doesn’t follow it could be stopped from stepping onto the red carpet, according to the Daily Mail.
This change comes as French director Amélie Bonnin’s movie Leave One Day opens the festival. It also arrives amid some political tensions, like Donald Trump’s recent promise to slap tariffs on foreign films.
For years, Cannes has been famous for its formal dress code. Men typically wear tuxedos and bow ties, while women are expected to dress up in elegant gowns and heels. But the festival hasn’t been without controversy. Back in 2015, some women were reportedly turned away from a premiere because they wore flat shoes instead of heels—a moment dubbed “Heelgate.” This incident led to quiet protests and criticism of the strict dress rules.
In the years since, actresses like Julia Roberts and Kristen Stewart have walked the red carpet barefoot as a statement. This prompted the festival to relax its shoe policy a bit.
By 2024, the dress code read: “To attend gala screenings, a dinner jacket (tuxedo) and bow tie or evening dress must be worn. If not, acceptable alternatives include cocktail dresses, dark trouser suits, smart tops with black trousers, black dresses, or a black/midnight blue suit with bow tie. Smart shoes, with or without heels, are required. Trainers are not allowed.”
While Cannes has softened some rules, it still holds formality in high regard. Visitors must comply or risk being denied access. For example, handbags are discouraged on the red carpet to keep the area visually clean for photographers.
Despite its formal vibe, Cannes has also seen moments of bold self-expression. In 2019, French DJ Kiddy Smile challenged the men’s dress code by wearing a floral gown on the red carpet. Though initially stopped by security, a senior official stepped in to let him through. His fashion choice sparked important conversations about inclusivity at the festival.