Cannes Film Festival Updates Red Carpet Dress Code to Ban Nudity and Oversized Outfits

The Cannes Film Festival has formally updated its red carpet dress code, explicitly banning full nudity and excessively voluminous clothing. This move comes after previous incidents, such as a topless protester in 2022 and recent high-profile appearances in revealing attire, prompting the festival to clarify its longstanding rules in accordance with French law and its institutional framework. The new guidelines emphasize that the aim is not to regulate all attire but to prohibit complete nudity and outfits that could obstruct the movement of other guests or complicate seating in screening rooms. The festival reserves the right to deny entry to anyone whose clothing poses logistical challenges. While the rules do not specify exactly which types of voluminous outfits are prohibited, concerns have been raised about large trains on dresses potentially causing congestion or hazards on the iconic Palais steps. Cannes has a history of dress code controversies, including debates over mandatory ‘elegant’ shoes, which for years implied high heels for women. Recent changes have made low heels acceptable, though sneakers remain discouraged. Incidents like the refusal of entry to an Indigenous producer wearing moccasins in 2022 highlight the ongoing discussion around inclusivity and fairness in the festival’s dress code policies.