The 79th Annual Cannes Film Festival began on May 12, 2026, in France, bringing celebrities, designers, and style icons to the Palais des Festivals for days filled with premieres, parties, and glamorous red carpet appearances.
Before the stars even arrived, however, the festival made headlines by reinforcing its dress code. Even so, attendees still delivered plenty of memorable fashion moments — along with a surprise baby announcement from one celebrity couple.
Cannes has always maintained a formal atmosphere. Guests attending gala screenings at the Grand Théâtre Lumière are expected to wear evening attire such as gowns, tuxedos, cocktail dresses, or dark suits. Sneakers are prohibited, and oversized bags must be checked before entering.
Since 2025, the rules have become even stricter. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Cannes updated its charter to specifically ban nudity and outfits with exaggerated trains that obstruct movement or make theater seating difficult.
A festival spokesperson explained that the revision simply clarified standards already in place, emphasizing that the goal was not to police fashion choices but to prevent full nudity on the red carpet in accordance with French law.
The update follows years of increasingly revealing looks at Cannes, where stars including Elle Fanning, Bella Hadid, and Kendall Jenner have worn sheer ensembles. In 2022, a topless protester was removed from the carpet after taking off her dress during a demonstration. While security has always been tight at the Palais, the official regulations are now more explicit as well.
Still, Cannes cannot completely control what celebrity ambassadors representing brands like Chopard, L’Oréal, and Kering choose to wear — especially when many of those looks resemble the very styles the new guidelines appear intended to discourage.
Amid the fashion buzz, Dylan Sprouse and Barbara Palvin shared personal news during the festival. On May 14, the couple revealed they are expecting their first child.
Palvin, 32, appeared in a pale blue gown with cap sleeves and a feathered skirt, gently cradling her baby bump for photos. Sprouse, 33, accompanied her in a tuxedo, posing with his arm around her. The pair later posted a more intimate Instagram photo from the evening.
Meanwhile, Demi Moore, serving on this year’s jury, has become one of the festival’s standout style stars.
On May 13, the 63-year-old actress attended the screening of “La Vie D’Une Femme” in a dramatic purple off-the-shoulder Gucci gown featuring a sweetheart neckline, thigh-high slit, and shimmering iridescent fabric. She completed the look with purple heels, Chopard diamond earrings, and a large silver statement ring.
Social media users quickly reacted to the ensemble. Some praised her appearance, while others commented on details like her hairstyle. Instagram users were especially complimentary, with many calling the gown flattering and naming Moore among Hollywood’s best-dressed stars.
Her Gucci appearance followed several other notable looks throughout the festival. At the May 12 jury photocall, Moore wore a white Jacquemus balloon-style dress decorated with colorful polka dots and paired with a matching handbag.
Later that evening, for the opening ceremony and screening of “La Vénus Electrique,” she chose a custom sequined Jacquemus gown with a dramatic corset design and layered diamond necklaces. Then, on May 14, she arrived at the “Fatherland” screening in a sculptural red gown with textured fabric resembling crumpled wrapping paper.
Veteran stars Jane Fonda and Dame Joan Collins also drew attention on opening night with timeless red carpet elegance.
Fonda appeared in a sleek black sequined gown with long sleeves, delivering a classic and polished look. Collins attended in a custom white Stéphane Rolland Haute Couture orchid gown styled with black opera gloves and diamond jewelry.
Online reactions to Fonda’s appearance ranged from admiration to concern, with many praising her beauty and figure while others wondered whether the heavily embellished gown was uncomfortable to wear.
One admirer took the praise even further, commenting, “She really resembles her handsome father, Henry Fonda. Just look at her in Barefoot in the Park and so many other films where her beauty truly stands out ❤️🌺 [sic].”
On another Facebook reel, however, reactions became more blunt. One user remarked, “That dress looks like it’s making it hard for her to breathe [sic],” while another confessed, “I barely recognized her with that hairstyle [sic].” Someone else joked, “I bet her hip or knee hurts — she walks just like I do! [sic].”
When fans compared the two legendary actresses side by side, many favored Joan Collins. One commenter wrote, “Joan Collins looks far more glamorous and beautiful [sic],” while another declared, “Joan Collins completely stole the show!!! [sic].”
Another added, “To me, Joan looks much better and more natural ❤️ [sic],” while one particularly candid commenter wrote, “Sadly Jane doesn’t look the same anymore — though who would? But Joan still has that sparkle, even older. They both walk like older ladies, but still wearing heels, which is impressive 👏 [sic].”
If anyone arrived at Cannes determined to own the fashion conversation, it was Heidi Klum. On opening night, May 12, the 52-year-old supermodel showcased two striking outfits.
For the Opening Ceremony dinner, Klum stepped out in a sparkling gold fringe gown adorned with layers of metallic tassels that shimmered as she moved. Social media reactions were divided. One Instagram user praised her appearance, writing, “She’s put on a little weight and looks healthy and gorgeous! 💗 [sic],” while another criticized the look as “tacky and too tight [sic].” A third commenter questioned her styling choice, asking, “Why does she always wear clothes that seem too small? She should size up [sic].”