Cannes Film Festival officially bans ‘nudity and voluminous outfits’ on red carpet

Cannes Film Festival has officially put regulations in place restricting certain outfits for the annual event.

Cannes Film Festival has officially placed a ban on “nudity” and “voluminous outfits”.

The annual event – which is returning for the 78th time and is one of the most prestigious festivals in the movie industry’s calendar – has updated its red carpet dress code in time for today’s (13.05.25) opening, with certain fashion trends not allowed.

The official charter reads: “For decency reasons, nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as in any other area of the festival.

“Voluminous outfits, in particular those with a large train, that hinder the proper flow of traffic of guests and complicate seating in the theater are not permitted.

“The festival welcoming teams will be obligated to prohibit red carpet access to anyone not respecting these rules.”

Offering additional clarification on the move, a festival spokesperson explained to The Hollywood Reporter that the charter has been updated to include “certain rules that have long been in effect”.

They insisted the aim is “not to regulate attire per se but to prohibit full nudity on the carpet”, citing the event’s framework and French law.

In recent years, stars like Elle Fanning, Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid have all worn sheer, nipple-baring outfits at Cannes, following recent red carpet trends.

However, security at the festival has sought to strictly enforce dress codes at the Palais, and in particular at A-list screenings at the Grand Théâtre Lumière.

For premieres at that venue, black tie and eveningwear – including tuxedos and long dresses – are recommended.

They guidance also suggests “little black dress, cocktail dress, dark-colored pantsuit, a dressy top with black pants; elegant shoes and sandals with or without a heel; a black or navy-blue suit with bow-tie or dark-colored tie”.

The charter adds: “Tote-bags, backpacks or large bags are prohibited.”

A decade ago, long serving festival chief Thierry Fremaux even sought to ban selfies, describing them as “ridiculous and grotesque”.

But he added at the time: We don’t want to prohibit it, but we want to slow down the process of selfies on the steps.”