The 2025 Cannes Film Festival is a far cry from last week’s Met Gala — so much so that Oscar winner Halle Berry had to overhaul her wardrobe choices at the last minute due to a newly implemented dress code.
According to the French film fest’s official FAQ website: “Nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as in any other area of the festival.”
Also banned are “voluminous outfits, in particular those with a large train,” which the festival says could “hinder the proper flow of traffic of guests and complicate seating in the theater.”
Berry, 58, revealed that what she initially planned to wear for Tuesday’s kickoff event is now in violation of the dress code.
“I had an amazing dress by [Gaurav] Gupta that I cannot wear tonight because it’s too big of a train,” she told reporters at a news conference. “I had to make a pivot. But the nudity part I do think is probably also a good rule.”
Following the new mandate, Cannes issued an update noting the rules have “long been in effect,” but had been made more explicit in order to “prohibit full nudity” in accordance with French law. Festival organizers further said they reserve the right to “deny access to individuals whose attire could obstruct the movement of other guests or complicate seating arrangements in the screening rooms.”
Berry, who made jaws drop with a skin-baring gown designed by Queens-born couturie LaQuan Smith at the Met Gala on May 5, serves as a jury member at the 78th Cannes Film Festival.
The outfit she opted to wear on Tuesday was in stark contrast. At the official jury photocall, the “Monster’s Ball” star wore a black tweed Chanel skirt suit and peep-toe heels.
She was later seen on the red carpet in a black-and-white striped Jacquemus gown with a halter neckline.
