The Cannes Film Festival has implemented new rules prohibiting nudity and voluminous dresses on the red carpet. This decision, outlined in a 'festival-goers’ charter,' aims to maintain order and facilitate smoother guest movement. The ban on large gowns is due to practical concerns about traffic flow and seating arrangements.
The ban on nudity might also relate to concerns for television broadcasts of the red carpet events. Companies like France Televisions air the event, and the decision to ban nudity could be related to broadcasting standards.
While the rules are in place, Cannes has a history of leniency with VIP guests, suggesting potential challenges in consistently enforcing the new dress code.
The festival's dress code now explicitly requires dinner jackets and long dresses for men, while women can also choose cocktail dresses or elegant pantsuits.
The rules add: “The festival welcoming teams will be obligated to prohibit red carpet access to anyone not respecting these rules.”
This prohibition was not stated in previous years, and has been included in a “festival-goers’ charter” outlining expected behaviour.
Red carpets are shown on TV by companies including France’s national broadcaster, France Televisions, although it is not known whether the risk of airing nudity played a role in deciding on the ban.
The dress code for red carpet events before Theatre Lumiere screenings requires dinner jackets and long dresses.
A “little black dress” is also permitted, or a “cocktail dress, a dark-coloured pantsuit, a dressy top with black pants; elegant shoes and sandals with or without a heel”.
In addition to banning nudity, Cannes has also prohibited “voluminous dresses” with large trains.
This is for practical reasons, as billowing gowns “hinder the proper flow of traffic of guests and complicate seating”.
It is not yet clear whether Cannes bosses will waive the nudity regulations for the A-list guests attending the festival and helping to promote their latest films.
The festival has a recent history of flouting its own rules, particularly when VIPs are involved.
In 2021, Cannes banned personal contact as part of its COVID guidelines, including “la bise”, the customary French peck on each cheek.
Loading
However, on the first red carpet of the event, Pierre Lescure, the festival president at the time, greeted guests including Carla Bruni and Jessica Chastain with the customary “bisous”.
The Telegraph, London
Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every Monday.
Skip the extension — just come straight here.
We’ve built a fast, permanent tool you can bookmark and use anytime.
Go To Paywall Unblock Tool