Cannes Film Festival takes bold stand on red carpet nudity

Cannes Film Festival organisers have issued a stern warning to this year's attendees: no nudity and no overly voluminous dresses. 

Organisers are cracking down on risqué fashion after a series of eyebrow-raising moments at other awards ceremonies. 

Earlier this year, Kanye West's wife, Bianca Censori, caused controversy on the 2025 Grammys red carpet when she showed up in a barely there outfit that left nothing to the imagination. 

"Do we no longer have indecent exposure laws?" an X user asked about the sheer slip dress. 

Another user quipped: "So I guess children can no longer safely watch the Grammys… it should be pay-per-view."

ALSO READ: Report: Kanye West's Grammys stunt could cost him millions

Oscar-winner Halle Berry also caused a stir at the recent Met Gala when she walked the red carpet in a sheer striped LaQuan Smith that would make your grandmother clutch her pearls. 

"Is this dress a daring fashion choice or a tacky, barely-covering-the-hoo-haw disaster…what’s your take, folks?" one social media user asked. 

According to the Daily Mail, officials are implementing the measures "for decency reasons". 

"Nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as any other area of the festival,' a festival document reads, per the publication. 

Those who do not follow the dress code rules set for the 78th edition of the festival face serious consequences. 

"The festival welcoming teams will be obligated to prohibit red carpet access to anyone not respecting these rules."

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Officials stressed that the move is not meant to stifle creativity. 

The aim is not to regulate attire per se, but to prohibit full nudity on the red carpet, in accordance with the institutional framework of the event and French law," per Variety.

The Cannes festival has had some drama of its own in recent years. In 2022, a topless protester stormed the red carpet after stripping off her gown. 

Voluminous dresses with long trains have also been banned. Last year, ushers hurried actress Massiel Tavera off the red carpet while she attempted to display her train, which featured a picture of Jesus Christ, on the famous Palais steps. 

Organisers faced criticism over the incident, which many believed had something to do with her faith-based attire. However, it was later revealed that ushers were trying to avoid a traffic jam on the steps.

Several other stars, including Kelly Rowland, were rushed off while trying to get their pictures taken. 

Selfies were also banned in 2018 as they reportedly slowed down the red carpet. Festival director Thierry Fremaux also called them "ridiculous and grotesque".

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