Cannes Film Festival updates its dress policy, adds ‘no nudity’ clause for this year’s red carpet

No nudity is the rule at the Cannes Film Festival. As the 78th edition begins on May 13, 2025, organizers have formalized a ban on full nudity on the red carpet and in all festival venues. This addition to the dress code joins existing guidelines on black-tie attire and limits on oversized clothing that block stairs.

Cannes Film Festival officials explained that the measure aligns with French law and aims to keep focus on films rather than outfits. Enforcement teams will check attire at entry.

---

The dress code now clearly bans nudity across all Cannes Film Festival areas

Cannes organizers have made it clear:

“For decency reasons, nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as in any other area of the festival,” the charter reads.

Until now, this was an unwritten norm that depended on security teams’ judgments. By writing it down, Cannes aims to eliminate surprise dress-code debates when guests arrive.

Also Read: How many kids does Jason Wahler have? Actor says their family is "finally complete" after welcoming second son

---

Voluminous gowns that block stairs are also not allowed

Along with banning full nudity, the charter states:

“Voluminous outfits, in particular those with a large train, that hinder the proper flow of traffic of guests and complicate seating in the theatre are not permitted”.

This detail targets extremely large dresses or capes that used to spill down the steps and slow everyone else. The festival says these changes will help guests move safely up and down the famous Palais stairs.

---

Evening screenings still require black-tie attire for all

Despite the new bans, basic black-tie rules remain unchanged for gala screenings at the Grand Théâtre Lumière. Men must wear dark suits with bow ties, and women may choose long gowns, cocktail dresses, or tailored pantsuits.

Shoes must be elegant sneakers, and flip-flops are off limits. The festival hopes these guidelines balance respect for tradition with clearer limits on what counts as “formal.”

Also Read: What did Amber Heard name her twins? Family details explored after her Mother’s Day announcement

---

Organisers say they are simply upholding festival values, not policing creativity

Cannes Film Festival representatives explained, “The aim is not to regulate attire per se, but to prohibit full nudity on the red carpet, by the institutional framework of the event and French law”.

Another spokesperson added, “This update is not intended to overly police fashion choices but rather to reinforce existing guidelines”.

Their goal is to keep attention on the films themselves, rather than on shocking outfits.

---

What happens next will test how strictly the rules are applied

Security teams at the festival entrance will refuse red-carpet access to anyone not meeting these standards. In past years, guests like Kelly Rowland reported being rushed up the carpet for minor infractions, while top stars often enjoyed leniency.

Now, observers wonder if smaller influencers or sponsored guests will face the same scrutiny as A-listers. As the Cannes Film Festival runs through May 24, the world will wait to see how seriously the festival enforces its new “no nudity” rule.

Also Read: Was Sabu married? Personal life explored as WWE icon dies at 60