The Festival de Cannes has issued strict guidelines—no nudity on the red carpet. The 78th edition of Cannes Film Festival is set to begin in the resort town on the French Riviera on Tuesday and will continue till May 24.
The Cannes Film Festival 2025 has issued an updated red carpet dress code that effectively bans full nudity and “voluminous” ensembles.
The official charter of the festival read, “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.”
A representative of Cannes Film Festival speaking to The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that the charter was just updated to reflect “certain rules that have long been in effect.” The rep added that the guidelines have not been updated “to regulate attire per se but to prohibit full nudity on the carpet” in keeping with the institutional framework of the festival and the French law.
In recent years, Cannes Film Festival has witnessed the “naked dress” trend where several celebrities have strutted the red carpet in sheer outfits, baring their nipples. Some names include Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Elle Fanning. A pro-Ukraine protestor was escorted off the red carpet after she removed her dress during the 2022 Cannes Film Festival.
Red carpet nudity has become a hot topic of conversation following a stunt pulled off by rapper Kanye West and wife Bianca Censori at the 2025 Grammys in Los Angeles in February. Censori was dressed in a long black fur coat. She grabbed eyeballs when she removed her coat on the red carpet, revealing her nearly naked look in a nude-coloured sheer dress without underwear or bra.
It is however unclear at this time whether a specific incident prompted officials to update the charter. But when it comes to “voluminous” outfits, it’s hard to forget Nigerian singer Tems making a dramatic entry to the 2023 Oscars, dressed in a view-blocking white cloud-like gown.
Regarding dress code at the Palais, Cannes security officials are infamously stringent. This is especially true for screenings at the glitzy Grand Théâtre Lumière, which frequently hosts the world premieres attended by A-list celebrities and filmmakers. These screenings, which take place at night between 7 and 10 pm, require black tie and evening wear.
According to the Cannes Film Festival charter, tuxedos and long dresses are recommended, as are little black dresses, cocktail dresses, dark-coloured pantsuits, 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-coloured tie. Large bags, backpacks, and tote bags are not allowed.