May 14, 2025: Actress Halle Berry revealed during the Cannes Film Festival jury press conference that she had to make a last-minute change to her outfit due to newly enforced red carpet regulations at the prestigious event.
The 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival introduced stricter dress code guidelines for attendees of gala screenings at the Grand Theatre Lumière, including a notable ban on outfits deemed to promote nudity. The move, aimed at preserving decency in line with French law, has prompted reactions from celebrities and designers alike.
Berry had initially planned to wear a show-stopping ensemble by designer Gupta, but had to reconsider.“I had an amazing dress by Gupta that I cannot wear because it’s too big of a train,” Berry said, adding, “I’m not going to break the rules. The nudity part is also probably a good rule,” according to Variety.The official guidelines now require evening wear for red carpet appearances—tuxedos for men and long dresses for women. The festival emphasized that the aim is not to regulate style but to prohibit full nudity, respecting the event’s institutional framework and French cultural standards.
A statement from the Cannes organizers clarified:“This year, the Cannes Film Festival has made explicit in its charter certain rules that have long been in effect. The aim is not to regulate attire per se, but to prohibit full nudity on the red carpet, in accordance with French law.”
The festival also stated that outfits with excessively long trains or elaborate designs may be denied access if they obstruct movement or seating. Welcoming staff are now authorized to refuse entry to those who do not comply with the updated code. For non-gala screenings, a standard of proper attire remains acceptable.
Berry is currently serving on the Cannes Competition Jury, which includes acclaimed names like Succession actor Jeremy Strong, Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia, South Korea’s Hong Sangsoo, Italian actor Alba Rohrwacher, author Leïla Slimani, Congolese documentarian Dieudo Hamadi, and director Carlos Reygadas. The jury is presided over by celebrated French actress Juliette Binoche.
The updated dress rules have sparked debate about fashion freedom versus cultural decency, but the festival maintains the changes are about order, accessibility, and respect for all guests.