Cannes Film Festival Bans Nudity and Oversized Outfits on the Red Carpet

This year at Cannes, the dress code comes with actual boundaries and they’re not just metaphorical.

Fez – In a move that’s equal parts etiquette and event logistics, the Cannes Film Festival has officially tightened its red carpet dress code, banning nudity and “excessively large” outfits for its 78th edition, which kicks off today on the sun-soaked shores of southeastern France.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the festival issued an updated style charter just ahead of opening night.

The new rules explicitly state: “nudity is prohibited on the red carpet and in all other festival areas,” citing “reasons of propriety.” Translation: no more scandalous stunts in the name of fashion shock value, at least not on the carpet.

But it’s not just about baring skin. The festival is also asking attendees to leave their extravagant, space-hogging gowns at home.

The goal? To prevent fashion from turning into a logistical nightmare. Oversized dresses can block walkways, stall the flow of arrivals, and make those already-stressful seating arrangements even trickier.

If you’ve ever watched someone attempt to sit in a six-foot-wide gown at a cinema screening, you understand.

Security staff and festival personnel have been instructed to deny access to anyone who doesn’t respect the new guidelines, making this more than just a suggestion.

A spokesperson from Cannes explained that the charter update simply reflects long-standing customs, not a radical new direction. “The aim isn’t to regulate fashion per se,” they clarified, “but to avoid full nudity, in accordance with the institutional framework of the event and French law.”

Interestingly, the festival stopped short of banning sheer or semi-revealing dresses, the ones that toe the line between daring and bare.

So yes, mesh, lace, and illusion fabrics may still make an appearance. The real red line is full nudity.

This isn’t Cannes’ first style scandal. Back in 2015, several women were turned away from the screening of “Carol” for not wearing high heels, a move that sparked backlash and some eye-rolls from Hollywood’s A-listers, including Emily Blunt.

Tradition still rules much of the festival’s dress code. Attending screenings at the prestigious Grand Théâtre Lumière still requires a black tie, dark formalwear, and a firm no to bulky bags or backpacks.

The 78th edition of Cannes runs until May 24, with 21 films vying for the Palme d’Or. This year’s jury is headed by French icon Juliette Binoche, setting the stage for another cinematic showdown, albeit one with fewer wardrobe distractions.

So, in short: if you’re headed to Cannes, bring your best look, just make sure it fits the seat, and the rules.