Here’s What Is Banned From the Cannes Film Festival Red Carpet for “Decency Reasons”

Last year, Cannes laid down the law on the red carpet. Just one day before the 2025 Cannes Film Festival was supposed to start, the festival updated its dress code, shaking up what I’m sure were dozens of perfectly planned outfits. The new Cannes dress code prohibited nudity and “voluminous” gowns, two things that had become increasingly common as the festival opened up to more celebrity and model guests.

And while the festival did not reiterate its dress code quite as explicitly this year, the 2026 Cannes Film Festival dress code remains the same as last year. Per the official charter’s new guidelines: “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.”

What’s more: “The festival welcoming teams will be obligated to prohibit red carpet access to anyone not respecting these rules.”

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After organizers issued the new clause last year, a representative for the Cannes press office clarified the update in a statement issued to The Hollywood Reporter, claiming that the language reflects “certain rules that have long been in effect.” The rep also said that these rules were not meant to “regulate” red carpet outfits but “to prohibit full nudity on the carpet.” So it sounds like sheer gowns could be allowed—just as long as they don’t have very long trains.

As a reminder: Trains were a very big issue at the 2024 festival. Dominican actor Massiel Taveras had a tense walk up the stairs of the Palais after she repeatedly tried to show off her gown’s extravagant train, featuring the face of Jesus Christ. Security guards blocked her from posing with the dress on the steps, resulting in a confrontation, so it’s not hard to see why the powers that be at Cannes would rather avoid a repeat.

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Meanwhile, despite reports of a previous ban on flat shoes, guests attending the Grand Théâtre Lumière gala screenings (aka the big premieres) are encouraged to wear nice shoes—flats or heels. They are, however, not allowed to bring totes or large bags. And no political statements or protests are allowed.