Each year, the iconic Cannes Film Festival hosts the world’s most anticipated cinematic releases from across the world, and with glamorous premiers comes an even more spectacular red carpet. Everyone from Grace Kelly to Madonna has graced the prestigious carpet, bringing with them their fashion A-game.
In what would have been its 73rd year, the Festival will not take place in 2020, at least not in the way it usually does. The event, which was originally due to be held in the final weeks of June, had been postponed to July but has now been cancelled altogether. This decision comes after the lockdown in France was extended by another month, an announcement made by French President Emmanuel Macron on April 13.
A statement said that the team was speaking with film industry professionals involved in the creation of the event and that there would be an effort to put the Cannes Film Festival on in some way. What exactly this will look like though is yet to be decided.
In honour of the red carpet, we’ve rounded up some of the most alluring sartorial looks to have ever adorned the French Riveria.
Grace Kelly, 1955
This image was shot at the 8th Festival de Cannes. The actress (and Princess of Monaco) was in attendance at the festival for the screening of George Seaton’s The Country Girl.
Elizabeth Taylor, 1957
Actress Elizabeth Taylor attended the festival in 1957 with her then-husband, producer Mike Todd.
Ursula Andress, 1965
Promoting her 1965 film ‘She’, Swiss actress and Bond girl Ursula Andress had undeniable star power, surrounded by members of the press in this iconic photograph.
Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg, 1974
Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg attended the Cannes Film Festival in 1974. The couple were regulars to the prestigious event during their decade-long romance.
Princess Diana, 1987
Diana, Princess of Wales, arrived at Cannes in this elegant, powder blue Catherine Walker gown. The look is remembered as one of the late royals most iconic fashion moments.
Madonna, 1991
Arriving for the premiere of her film In Bed With Madonna, the British songstress turned heads in this iconic pin-up Jean-Paul Gautier design. With a conical bra, silvery underclothes and a pink silk wrap, this ’40s-inspired ensemble shocked crowds at the 44th Cannes Film Festival.
Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise, 1992
One of the hottest power-couples making an appearance at the 45th Cannes Film Festival, Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman descended the red-carpeted stairs to attend the screening of their romantic adventure film Far And Away.
Johnny Depp and Kate Moss, 1997
The ‘It’ couple of the 1990s attended the 50th festival to promote Depp’s performance in his latest film, The Brave. Turning heads in this grey Narsico Rodriguez shift, the British supermodel looks on adoringly at her American beau.
Angelina Jolie, 2004
American actress and humanitarian Jolie posed for photos on the red carpet at the premiere for Shrek 2. Rocking menswear in this crisp Dolce and Gabbana suit, Jolie’s timeless ensemble was a stand out at the 57th Cannes International Film Festival.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, 2009
The well-publicised romance between actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt found the media in a complete frenzy at the 62nd International Cannes Film Festival in 2009. Pictured here attending the premiere of Inglorious Bastards, the controversial couple embraced each other as they sauntered hand-in-hand down the red carpet.
Diane Kruger, 2012
German-born Kruger attended the Thérèse Desqueyroux premiere in 2012 wearing Christian Dior Haute Couture.
Cara Delevingne, 2013
Fashion industry ‘It’ girl Cara Delevingne poses for photographers during the opening ceremony of the 66th annual Festival de Cannes. Attending the premiere for Baz Lurhmann’s theatrical remake of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, the catwalk maven stunned in a glamorous, floor-length Burberry dress.
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, 2014
Newly wed actors Blake Lively – who reigns over every red carpet she encounters – and Ryan Reynolds attended the premiere for Captive during the 67th annual Cannes Film Festival. Matching in monochrome, Blake stunned in a classic Gucci gown, while Ryan sported a smart black-and-white tuxedo.
Bella Hadid, 2016
“That” red dress. When model Bella Hadid attended the 69th Annual Cannes Film Festival, her daring Alexandre Vauthier Couture went viral – putting her well and truly on the fashion map.
Elle Fanning, 2019
American actress Elle Fanning’s red carpet prowess comes out on the Cannes Film Festival each year. Pictured here at the 72nd annual festival at The Dead Don’t Die opening ceremony wearing Chopard jewellery.
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