Old habits appeared to die hard on Tuesday evening as a host of guests more familiar with fashion than film appeared to defy a new red carpet crackdown at the 78th annual Film Festival.
New nudity rules, devised for ‘the sake of decency,’ were implemented as French director Amélie Bonnin’s Leave One Day opened the ceremony.
But an array of models and actresses, led by ceremony veteran Bella Hadid, appeared to flout the rule by baring flesh as they walked the Cannes Croisette ahead of Tuesday’s screening.
The supermodel, 28, showed her jaw-dropping figure in a gorgeous black satin gown as she arrived at the event.
She went braless and opted for a thigh-high slit to complete her racy Cannes look, amid the new crackdown on risqué outfits.
Meanwhile, supermodel Heidi Klum, 51, wowed in pink as she graced the screening of Partir Un Jour in a ruffled gown that resembled flowers and featured a long train.
Eva Longoria, 50, turned heads at the event in a stunning gold and black mirrored gown, flaunting her model figure.
And jury president Juliette Binoche, 61, cut a radiant figure in in a cream satin cowled top with a hood.
Old habits appeared to die hard on Tuesday evening as a host of guests more familiar with fashion than film appeared to defy a new red carpet crackdown at the 78th annual Film Festival
Heidi Klum’s cascading ruffled pink Ellie Saab dress, hand sтιтched with individual pink gradient organza petals and a 12 foot train means perhaps she hadn’t heard that the rules had changed (L) while Eva Longoria who turned heads at the event in a stunning gold and black gown (R)
An array of models and actresses, led by ceremony veteran Bella Hadid , appeared to flout the rule by baring flesh as they walked the Cannes Croisette ahead of Tuesday’s screening
Halle Berry confided that she had had to re-plan her wardrobe as her initial choice was ‘too big’ wore a modest halter-necked monochrome striped dress (L), while Alessandra Ambrosio looked incredible in a thigh-split green gown (R)
In high spirits, she tapped her foot and nodded her head along to Madonna’s Vogue which was playing on the loudspeakers.
Halle Berry was also in attendance as she posed up a storm in a black and white sleeveless striped dress for her Film Festival look.
She was joined by models Irina Shayk and Shanina Shaik, who commanded attention in glittering black numbers.
Russian model Irina, 39, looked nothing short of sensational in a strapless black ballgown with large puffball sleeves and a white polka dot design.
Australian model Shanina, 34, posed up a storm in a unique dress boasting a diamante-encrusted maxi skirt and a corset-style top half.
Julia Garner, 31, showcased her incredible figure in a sheer black maxi dress layered over a ɴuᴅᴇ gown, featuring a thigh-high slit.
Alessandra Ambrosio looked incredible in green as she was joined by Eva Longoria who turned heads at the event in a stunning gold and black gown.
Also in attendance was Lady Victoria Hervey, who looked chic in a white feathered gown with a high slit and silver detialing and a matching headband.
Cannes ruled ‘no nudity’ this year – and also asked the A listers who make their way up that famous 22 step red carpet to steer clear of ‘excessively voluminous’ clothing.
That didn’t stop the dozens of actresses and models who attended the opening night ceremony from going all out with trains, diamonds, ruffles, netting… and gowns as plunging and as brief as decency would allow.
She went braless and opted for a thigh-high slit to complete her racy Cannes look, amid the new crackdown on risqué outfits
Bella looked in good spirits as she waved to fans while walking the red carpet
She wore her long blonde tresses in a straight style and opted for a smoky and sultry palette of makeup
Cannes ruled ‘no nudity’ this year – and also asked the A listers who make their way up that famous 22 step red carpet to steer clear of ‘excessively voluminous’ clothing
Jury president Juliette Binoche, 61, cut a radiant figure in in a cream satin cowled top with a hood
In high spirits, she tapped her foot and nodded her head along to Madonna’s Vogue which was playing on the loudspeakers
Halle Berry was also in attendance as the posed up a storm in a black and white sleeveless striped dress for her Film Festival look
Halle ensured all eyes were on her as she graced the stage during the ceremony
Alessandra Ambrosio looked incredible in green as she walked the red carpet
Models Irina Shayk and Shanina Shaik commanded attention in glittering black numbers
Robert De Niro looked dapper in black as he attended the opening ceremony with his partner Tiffany Chen
Robert and Tiffant were also joined by his daughter Helen Grace who he shares with his ex-wife Grace Hightower
Model and TV presenter Heidi’s cascading ruffled pink Ellie Saab dress, handsтιтched with individual pink gradient organza petals and a 12 foot train means perhaps she hadn’t heard that the rules had changed.
To be fair, they only announced the decree 24 hours before the opening ceremony, giving stylists on the Riviera collective heart failure.
Models Alessandra and Irina both opted for deeply plunging strapless dresses.
Jury member Halle even confided that she had had to re-plan her wardrobe as her initial choice was ‘too big’ wore a modest halter-necked monochrome striped dress.
At a press conference earlier in the day she said: ‘I had an amazing dress by Gupta to wear tonight, and I cannot wear it because the train is too big.
‘Of course, I’m going to follow the rules, so I had to make a pivot. But the nudity part, I do think, is probably also a good move.’ Which may come as a surprise to anyone who remembers her crotch-flashing sheer panelled dress at the Met Gala ball last week.
Julia Garner, 31, showcased her incredible figure in a sheer black maxi dress layered over a ɴuᴅᴇ gown, featuring a thigh-high slit
Quentin Tarantino and his wife Daniella Pick put on a very loved-up display on the red carpet
Model Caroline Daur turned heads in a strapless gown with gold drop earrings
Also in attendance was Lady Victoria Hervey, who looked chic in a white feathered gown while fellow socialite Emma Weymouth opted for a stunning red shimmering dress
Baby Reindeer star Nava Mau looked sensational in a black strapless gown with a layered hemline
Irina’s head-turning gown featured a white polk dot detail and dramatically oversized sleeves
French actress Frederique Bel risked breaking the new red carpet rules with her risque outfit
The ceremony was a big night for Robert De Niro who was awarded the Honorary Palme d’Or award for lifetime achievement, presented to him by Leonardo DiCaprio.
The pair first starred together in the 1993 film This Boy’s Life and then again in Killiers Of The Flower Moon in 2023. He was also joined on stage by film director Quentin Tarantino who Robert worked with in the 1997 film Jackie Brown.
It comes after Eva Longoria looked radiant in a chiffon yellow midi-dress as she joined a host of celebrity jury members ahead of the opening ceremony of Cannes Film Festival.
The Desperate Housewives star, 50, joined fellow jury members Halle Berry and Julia Garner, as well as president Juliette Binoche, for a pH๏τo call on Tuesday.
Eva looked elegant in the swishing pale yellow sleeves dress as she basked in the sunshine leaving H๏τel Martinez ahead of the opening ceremony later that evening.
Meanwhile Halle strutted through the French city in a black tweed two piece – after having to swap her outfit at the last minute due to the festival’s new nudity ban.
The ceremony was a big night for Robert De Niro who was awarded the Honorary Palme d’Or award for lifetime achievement, presented to him by Leonardo DiCaprio
He was also joined on stage by film director Quentin Tarantino who Robert worked with in the 1997 film Jackie Brown
Leonardo looked dapper in a black tuxedo as he posed alongside Juliette on stage
Robert gave Leo a kiss on the cheek as he took to the stage to accept hisaward
Bella exuded glamour as she posed with a bouqet of flowers at H๏τel Martinez earlier in the day
Eva put on an animated display at the H๏τel Martinez as she enjoyed a glᴀssof champagne
Blanca Blanco attends the red carpet for the opening ceremony and Leave One Day screening
Her gown was by French fashion designer Christophe Guillarme, seen right
The A-listers were seen posing for snaps with jury members Carlos Reygadas, Payal Kapadia, Leila Slimani, Jeremy Strong, Dieudo Hamadi, Alba Rohrwacher and Hong Sang-soo.
Succession actor Jeremy was seen sporting a 225,000 euro watch and a bucket hat as he attended the Palme D’Or, this year honouring Robert De Niro.
Other stars spotted out and about ahead of the opening ceremony were model Shanina Shaik, actress Andie MacDowell and honouree himself De Niro – who attended with his partner Tiffany Chen.
Inventing Anna actress Julia also made an appearance, looking impeccably chic in a black suede A-line mini-dress with a high neckline.
Meanwhile Jury President Juliette looked stylish in a ʙuттer yellow jumpsuit, which featured a dramatic statement collar with a fitted bodice and buckled belt.
Actress Andie MacDowell was among the stars in attendance, as she was seen leaving H๏τel Martinez in a light grey suede oversized biker jacket and knee-length skirt.
Australian model looked effortlessly sophisticated in a relaxed grey co-ord, consisting of a longline high-neck blouse and tailored trousers.
This year’s festival has officially placed a ban on ‘nudity’ and ‘voluminous outfits’.
The annual event – which is returning for the 78th time and is one of the most prestigious festivals in the movie industry’s calendar – has updated its red carpet dress code in time for today’s (13.05.25) opening, with certain fashion trends not allowed.
The official charter reads: ‘For decency reasons, nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as in any other area of the festival.
‘Voluminous outfits, in particular those with a large train, that hinder the proper flow of traffic of guests and complicate seating in the theater are not permitted. The festival welcoming teams will be obligated to prohibit red carpet access to anyone not respecting these rules.’
Actress Halle spoke out on the ban as she said: ‘I had an amazing dress… to wear tonight, and I cannot wear because the train is too big.
‘So I, of course, am going to follow the rules. had to make a pivot, but the nudity part, I do think is probably also a good rule.’
Eva Longoria looked radiant in a chiffon yellow midi-dress as she joined a host of celebrity jury members ahead of the opening ceremony of Cannes Film Festival
The Desperate Housewives star, 50, joined fellow jury members Halle Berry and Julia Garner
Cannes Film Festival jury president Juliette Binoche was also in attendance for the pH๏τo call on Tuesday
The A-listers were seen posing for snaps with jury members Carlos Reygadas, Payal Kapadia, Leila Slimani, Jeremy Strong, Dieudo Hamadi, Alba Rohrwacher and Hong Sang-soo
Eva looked elegant in the swishing pale yellow sleeves dress as she basked in the sunshine
Eva spent that day at Lucia Cannes to promote her tequila, Casa del Sol at a luncheon
During the film festival, the French restaurant has launched a special menu with items made with Eva’s tequila
Eva beamed as she enjoyed cocktails with friends
Halle strutted through the French city in a black tweed two piece ahead of the festival kicking off later tonight
Halle revealed she had to swap her outfit at the last minute due to the festival’s new nudity ban
Inventing Anna actress Julia also made an appearance, looking impeccably chic in a black suede A-line mini-dress with a high neckline
Julia was beaming with her bright red lipstick on show as she carried around a cream leather Gucci handbag
Succession actor Jeremy was seen sporting a £225,000 watch and a bucket hat as he attended the Palme D’Or
The watch was red to match his relaxed ensemble consisting of a corduroy jacket and hat
Jeremy’s quirky outfit consisted of a pink and dusty red co-ord trousers and shirt, with pink and black suede sneakers
Meanwhile Jury President Juliette looked stylish in a ʙuттer yellow jumpsuit, which featured a dramatic statement collar with a fitted bodice and buckled belt
Honouree himself De Niro – who attended with his partner Tiffany Chen – was spotted at the pH๏τo call celebrating him
De Niro playfully joked with fans as they seemed to chant his name during the pH๏τocall in Cannes
Actress Andie MacDowell was among the stars in attendance, as she was seen leaving H๏τel Martinez
She donned a light grey suede oversized biker jacket and knee-length skirt
Australian model looked effortlessly sophisticated in a relaxed grey co-ord, consisting of a longline high-neck blouse and tailored trousers
Shanina sported a barely-there make-up look and natural hair and paired her tailored ensemble with black leather stilettos as she attended the Vanity Fair lunch later that day
Director Quentin Tarantino arrived hand-in-hand with his glamorous wife Danielle as they arrived for the festival
Julia was also seen jetting from the Cannes pH๏τocall to the Vanity Fair lunch as she posed up a storm
Another star to make a glamorous appearance at the lunching was Baby Reindeer star Nava Mau, who oozed sophistication in a figure-hugging white gown with a high-neck cape feature
Actress Naomie Harris made a colourful appearance as she donned a bright yellow and white striped midi-dress complete with a capped sleeve and drooping cape design
Eva made sure to turn heads in a glamorous sequinned gown as she strutted through the five-star Hôtel Martinez in Cannes on Monday ahead of the film festival.
The actress looked nothing short of sensational in the fitted plunging number which showed off her amazing figure.
She elevated her frame in a pair of towering coordinated heels and accessorised with a simple pair of drop earrings.
Styling her long brunette tresses in a half up do in waves, the Desperate Housewives star wore a glamorous palette of L’Oréal makeup, complete with a swipe of bold red lipstick.
Eva held onto her teams arms as she carefully made her way down the H๏τel staircase before sipping on a H๏τ beverage.
The Land of Women star flashed her gorgeous smile as she made her way through the H๏τel lobby while holding onto a pair of sunglᴀsses.
Earlier in the day, Eva took to Instagram and shared that she has worked with L’Oréal for 20 years as she posed with a number of gold balloons on her lavish bed.
She also shared a glimpse into her glam squad creating her stunning look for the day as multiple stylist diffused her hair and worked on her makeup.
Eva Longoria made sure to turn heads in a glamorous sequinned gown as she strutted through the five-star Hôtel Martinez in Cannes on Monday ahead of the film festival
The actress looked nothing short of sensational in the fitted plunging number which showed off her amazing figure
She elevated her frame in a pair of towering coordinated heels and accessorised with a simple pair of drop earrings
Eva styled her long brunette tresses in a half up do in waves
The Desperate Housewives star wore a glamorous palette of L’Oréal makeup, complete with a swipe of bold red lipstick
Eva held onto her teams arms as she carefully made her way down the H๏τel staircase before sipping on a H๏τ beverage
The Land of Women star flashed her gorgeous smile as she made her way through the H๏τel lobby while holding onto a pair of sunglᴀsses
Eva looked in good spirits as she relaxed in a dressing gown while also having her nails done for the occasion.
This year’s Cannes Film Festival is taking place in the wake of Trump´s vow to enact tariffs on international films.
Cannes, where filmmakers, sales agents and journalists gather from around the world, is the Olympics of the big screen, with its own golden prize, the Palme d´Or, to give out at the end.
Filmmakers come from nearly every corner of the globe to showcase their films while dealmakers work through the night to sell finished films or packaged productions to various territories.
‘You release a film into that Colosseum-like situation,’ says Brazilian director Kleber Mendonça Filho, who´s returning to Cannes with ‘The Secret Agent, a thriller set during Brazil´s dictatorship.
‘You’ve got to really prepare for the whole experience because it´s quite intense – not very far from the feeling of approaching a roller coaster as you go up the steps at the Palais.’
Trump sent shock waves through Hollywood and the international film community when he announced on May 4 that all movies ‘produced in Foreign Lands’ will face 100% tariffs.
The White House has said no final decisions have been made. Options being explored include federal incentives for U.S.-based productions, rather than tariffs. But the announcement was a reminder of how international tensions can destabilize even the oldest cultural insтιтutions.
Eva was seen heading into an elevator
She flashed her gorgeous smile as she exited the five-star H๏τel
The Cannes Film Festival originally emerged in the World War II years, when the rise of fascism in Italy led to the founding of an alternative to the then-government controlled Venice Film Festival.
In the time since, Cannes´ resolute commitment to cinema has made it a beacon to filmmakers. Countless directors have come to make their name.
Read More Eva Longoria opts for a casual sweater and joggers as she arrives in Cannes 
This year is no different, though some of the first-time filmmakers at Cannes are already particularly well-known. Kristen Stewart (The Chronology of Water), Scarlett Johansson (Eleanor the Great) and Harris Dickinson (Urchin) will all be unveiling their feature directorial debuts in Cannes´ Un Certain Regard sidebar section.
The much-anticipated eighth and final instalment of Mission Impossible is one of the earlier premieres on this year’s Cannes calendar, with its glitzy red carpet taking place on Wednesday, May 14.
Meanwhile Scarlett’s directorial debut Eleanor The Great, will be unveiled on May 20.
However, in the wake of his legal battle with former co-star Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni is not expected to attend.
Earlier in the day, Eva took to Instagram and shared that she has worked with L’Oréal for 20 years as she posed with a number of gold balloons on her lavish bed
She also shared a glimpse into her glam squad creating her stunning look for the day as multiple stylist diffused her hair and worked on her makeup
Eva later applied L’Oréal’s bold red lipstick to complete her glam
