Cannes bans nudity, voluminous trains

The Cannes Film Festival’s 2026 red-carpet rules still bar nudity and oversized trains, according to the festival’s official guidance and media reports published this week. The rules apply to the red carpet and other festival areas, and they also give staff the power to deny access to guests who do not comply. The guidance has drawn renewed attention as celebrities arrived in looks that tested the line between formalwear and provocation. (festival-cannes.com) The 79th Festival de Cannes is running from May 12 to May 23 in Cannes, France. ### What exactly does Cannes say guests cannot wear? (festival-cannes.com) The Festival de Cannes FAQ says, “For decency reasons, nudity is prohibited on the Red Carpet, as well as in any other area of the Festival.” The same guidance says “voluminous outfits,” particularly those with large trains that hinder traffic flow or complicate seating, are not permitted. Yahoo’s May 14 summary of the charter said festival welcoming teams are required to refuse red-carpet access to anyone not respecting those rules. That report also said the 2026 rules remain the same as the 2025 update, when Cannes made the ban explicit in its written guidance. (festival-cannes.com) ### Are the restrictions only about nudity and trains? Riviera Radio reported on May 20 that the red-carpet protocol also covers timing, movement and conduct. Its summary said late arrivals can miss screenings, the last moments before a premiere are reserved for stars and film talent, and guests are expected to keep moving rather than stop for long periods. (festival-cannes.com) Riviera Radio also said selfies are banned on the carpet, large bags are not permitted, guests cannot turn back or walk against the flow, and political demonstrations, promotional stunts and unofficial ticket sales are prohibited. (yahoo.com) Yahoo’s May 14 report separately said guests at Grand Théâtre Lumière gala screenings are not allowed to bring totes or large bags. ### Why did the rules resurface this week? May 19 and May 20 coverage from fashion and entertainment outlets pushed the dress code back into the news as attendees appeared in outfits framed as challenges to the policy. (rivieraradio.mc) Much of that coverage focused less on a new Cannes announcement than on how the existing rules were being tested on the carpet. The official festival materials available this week still point visitors to the Festival-Goer’s Charter for conduct and screening guidance. The FAQ page links readers to that charter as the place to find best practices during the event. (rivieraradio.mc) ### Which celebrities drew attention for pushing the dress code? Sharon Stone appeared at the May 18 premiere of “Fjord” in a corseted gown with a black cape, according to Hello!, and later wore another black gown-and-cape look to the May 19 “Diamond” screening. AOL’s pickup of InStyle described the May 19 outfit as a way to add drama while avoiding the ban on large trains. (aol.com) Helena Christensen attended the May 19 screening of “Amarga Navidad” in a sheer black lace dress, according to Alamy’s event caption and AOL’s pickup of InStyle. (festival-cannes.com) Those reports said the look drew notice because the festival’s guidance prohibits naked or sheer dressing for “decency reasons.” ### What remains unchanged for the rest of the festival? (hellomagazine.com) The Festival de Cannes says its 79th edition runs until May 23, 2026. The festival’s FAQ and charter remain the reference points for access, screening etiquette and red-carpet conduct as premieres continue in Cannes through the close of the event. (festival-cannes.com) (alamy.com)