May 12, 2025: In a significant update ahead of the 78th Cannes Film Festival, organisers have unveiled a stricter dress code for the gala screenings at the Grand Théâtre Lumière, set to be held from May 13 to May 24, 2025. The new guidelines emphasize “decency” and traffic flow considerations, banning garments that promote nudity or hinder seating arrangements.
According to the official document published on the Cannes Film Festival website, all attendees at the prestigious red carpet galas scheduled around 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. must strictly adhere to a refined evening dress code.
Key Highlights of the 2025 Dress Code:
- Mandatory Evening Wear:
Men must wear a tuxedo or a black/navy-blue suit with a bow-tie or dark-colored tie. Women are expected to don a long dress, a “little black dress,” cocktail dress, or a dark-colored pantsuit.
Acceptable footwear includes elegant shoes or sandals, with or without heels. Sneakers are not allowed. - Ban on Nudity:
For “decency reasons,” nudity is strictly prohibited not just on the red carpet, but across all festival zones. - Voluminous Dresses Restricted:
Dresses with large trains or excessive volume are not permitted as they impede the movement of guests and complicate seating inside the theatre. - Bag Policy:
Tote bags, backpacks, and large bags are also prohibited. Attendees can use lockers near Gare Maritime, which will remain open until 12:30 a.m. - Enforcement:
The Festival welcoming teams are authorized to deny red carpet access to individuals who do not comply with the dress code.
For all non-gala screenings, only “proper attire” is required.
“The Festival welcoming teams will be obligated to prohibit Red Carpet access to anyone not respecting these rules,” the official document states.
A Global Stage for Cinema
The Cannes Film Festival is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious cultural events in the world, showcasing unreleased films from across the globe and drawing top filmmakers, artists, and celebrities.
With these new dress code regulations, the organisers aim to balance the glamour of the red carpet with logistical efficiency and decorum, ensuring a smooth and respectful experience for all participants.