The 78th Cannes Film Festival ran from May 13 to May 24, 2025. Stars from around the globe gathered on the French Riviera. They walked red carpets. They posed for photos. Some names drew more buzz. Here we look at the standout celebrities at Cannes 2025 and what made their moments special.
Top red carpet stars at Cannes 2025
Several A-listers stole the scene on opening night. Natalie Portman arrived in a sparkling Dior gown. Her dress caught every flash on May 13 and set a high bar for glamour. Angelina Jolie chose a strapless Brunello Cucinelli look. She balanced classic lines with a fresh texture. Both actresses showed why they remain festival favorites.
Victoria’s Secret model Irina Shayk turned heads too. She wore velvet and faille from Yves Saint Laurent’s 1988 couture line. The retro nod felt bold on a modern red carpet. Elsa Hosk joined the archival trend. She donned a Thierry Mugler autumn-winter 1995 creation. It felt like a film costume, not just party wear.
Tom Cruise offered a different spin on style. He skipped the classic tux. Instead, he opted for a sleek knit ensemble. His outfit showed that icons can still surprise. And Paul Mescal made a splash in tailored suits. His look felt sharp and youthful—proof that new stars can shine beside veterans.
Fashion icons who owned the Cannes 2025 carpet
Some names act like beacons at Cannes. They draw all eyes. Rihanna and A$AP Rocky arrived as a couple. RiRi’s elegant draped dress and Rocky’s crisp suit matched mood and tone. Their joint appearance felt authentic, not posed.
Scarlett Johansson stepped off camera duties—she’s directing “Eleanor the Great.” She walked that premiere red carpet with grace. And June Squibb, at 95, charmed fans. She led her “Squibb Squad” in a custom floral gown by Johnny Was. Her age-defying energy proved that Cannes honors both new and seasoned talent.
Naomi Campbell and Barbara Palvin also made fashion headlines. Campbell mixed prints and textures with ease. Palvin paired couture gowns with casual denim on photo calls. Their varied looks showed that style at Cannes can be both high and low.
Rising stars who sparked chatter
Besides big names, Cannes also spotlights fresh faces. Paul Mescal’s earlier mention fits here too. But so does Janhvi Kapoor. She attended the “Highest 2 Lowest” premiere in a bold red dress that fit like a second skin. And Romee Strijd swapped runway for Riviera, wearing a tailored suit at a daytime event.
Dakota Johnson balanced classic and edge. At the Women in Motion awards, she wore a sleek Balenciaga gown. It felt timeless yet current—perfect for a rising star in a legacy role. Charlie XCX brought pop-star energy. She rocked custom Saint Laurent at the presidential dinner.
Memorable moments off the red carpet
Cannes isn’t just about dresses. It’s also panels, lunches, and beachside chats. Viola Davis joined a roundtable on diversity in film. She spoke with passion and honesty. Her words reminded everyone why Cannes shapes the industry.
Sarah Jessica Parker and her “And Just Like That…” co-stars took a late-night stroll in Cannes town. They kept it low key—jeans, simple tops—but still drew crowds. Jennifer Lopez and Tom Cruise were spotted at the same beach club. Fans debated who looked more relaxed in shades and linen.
Celebrity jury and special guests
Halle Berry joined the jury with Jeremy Strong, Robert De Niro, and others. Her sense for style slipped with a Jacquemus gown that felt shapeless under bright lights. Yet her comments at screenings landed with weight. And De Niro accepted his honorary Palme d’Or. Leonardo DiCaprio presented it. That handshake between icons felt like passing the torch .
Why these celebrities stood out at Cannes 2025
Four reasons made them stand out:
- Bold fashion choices. Retro gowns. Knit suits. Couples coordinating. They mixed risk with polish.
- Personal stories. June Squibb at 95. Johansson shifting from acting to directing. Those arcs added depth.
- Off-screen impact. Panels, charity events, volunteer work. Stars used Cannes as more than a photo op.
- Rising talent. New names balanced veterans. It felt like passing the torch, not just nostalgia.
Their presence made Cannes feel both fresh and rooted in film legacy.
Takeaways from the festival
And here is what we learn:
- Cannes still sets fashion trends. Styles here filter to other festivals.
- Screen legends and newcomers share the spotlight equally.
- The festival mixes business, art, and fun. Guests move from red carpets to beach lunches seamlessly.
Iconic moments—like De Niro’s Palme d’Or and Squibb’s squad—stay in our minds long after the credits roll.
Cannes 2025 brought glamour, talent, and surprising turns. From Natalie Portman’s sparkle to June Squibb’s charm, these standout celebrities made headlines. They showed why Cannes remains the top stage for film and fashion.
