The French Riviera is set for another season of cinema, fashion and global celebrity as the Cannes Film Festival 2026 takes place from 12 May to 23 May. This year too, Indian celebrities are expected to be among the biggest highlights at the festival.
From Alia Bhatt, Tara Sutaria, Huma Qureshi and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s appearances to red carpet fashion, film premieres, celebrity debuts and viral moments, Cannes 2026 is expected to place India firmly in the global spotlight once again.
Over the years, Cannes has grown beyond a film festival for Indian audiences. It has become a major international platform for Bollywood, luxury fashion, beauty brands and Indian creators making a global impact.
As an official partner of the Cannes Film Festival, Brut will bring you the latest updates from Cannes 2026 across platforms. This year, Brut is also expanding its creator-led coverage from the festival with behind-the-scenes access, fashion storytelling and live social-first content formats.
ALSO READ: Aishwarya Rai Delivers Her Most Awaited Cannes Appearance In 2026
Day 11: 22 May 2026
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
For her second Cannes 2026 appearance with L'Oréal Paris, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan wore a powder pink gown by Sophie Couture. The outfit featured a fitted bodice, pleated detailing, crystal floral embellishments and a chiffon cape with an extended train.
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Aishwarya Rai Bachchan made her first Cannes 2026 red carpet appearance in a custom couture look by Amit Aggarwal. The blue gown, titled Luminara, featured a structured silhouette, shoulder extensions and crystal detailing.
The outfit was developed over more than 1,500 hours using Amit Aggarwal’s Crystal Vein embroidery technique, with crystalline elements placed across the gown. The look was created in collaboration with stylist Mohit Rai.
ALSO READ: Did Urvashi Rautela Just Wear A Rs. 1500 Crore Look At Cannes 2026?
Day 10: 21 May 2026
Anurag Kashyap
At Cannes 2026, Anurag Kashyap attended a screening of the Rwandan film Ben'imana, which competed in the Un Certain Regard section of the festival. The category holds significance for Kashyap, as three of his films, Udaan, Masaan and Monsoon Shootout, were previously screened in the same section at Cannes.
The screening also marked a first-time experience of watching a Rwandan film and viewing it alongside the filmmaker.
Mouni Roy
At Cannes 2026, Mouni Roy attended the festival for the third time as she arrived for the screening of Bombay Stories at the Marché du Film. Speaking to Brut, she reflected on how she once aspired to become an IAS officer before choosing a career in entertainment.
Mouni also spoke about embracing her Bengali roots, dealing with criticism, and the personal and professional journey that shaped her on and off screen.
YesMadam Co-founders
Yukti Arya and Mayank Arya, the husband-wife duo behind YesMadam, walked the Cannes 2026 red carpet for the screening of the French film La Bataille de Gaulle.
Mayank said the outfit he wore was designed by him. He explained that the blue in the look symbolised trust, while the red represented empowerment, values he said reflect their brand identity. Yukti said the silver flow in her outfit represented radiance, while the gold symbolised a rising glow linked to power and confidence.
ALSO READ: How Cannes Film Festival Selects Films And What Sets It Apart From The Commercial Cinema
Day 9: 20 May 2026
Manasi Parekh
At Cannes 2026, Manasi Parekh spoke to Brut about representing Gujarati culture and cinema on a global stage. She reflected on breaking and embracing stereotypes about Gujaratis, while also highlighting the growing presence of regional storytelling in international spaces.
She is at the Marché du Film at Cannes, where her team is showcasing around 35 Gujarati films along with upcoming projects to international buyers and collaborators, positioning Gujarati cinema for wider global reach.
Huma Qureshi
At Cannes 2026, Huma Qureshi spoke to Brut about the imbalance in the film industry, saying women-led films still don’t get the same commercial attention as big male-driven projects. She highlighted how visibility and scale often favour male-centric films, leaving women-led stories with less reach despite strong content.
Molshri
At Cannes 2026, Molshri represented Women in Film India as one of the selected scholars for the Producers Network at the Marché du Film. The programme gives emerging women filmmakers access to mentorship, workshops and interactions with global industry professionals.
In an interview, the Nukkad Natak actor also spoke about the difficulties faced during auditions and the challenges of building a career in the industry.
ALSO READ: The Story Of The Nath: From Bridal Tradition To Cannes Fashion
Day 8: 19 May 2026
Urvashi Rautela
Urvashi Rautela’s second red carpet appearance at Cannes 2026 featured a bold statement look.
She wore a golden blouse with a saree featuring a golden border, styled in an ornate traditional aesthetic. The outfit was paired with a standout accessory, a rare “Himalayense crocodile” art bag by Swiss brand Genevoise, adding a luxury highlight to her look.
ALSO READ: The Journey From Dupatta To Scandinavian Scarf At The Red Carpet
Day 7: 18 May 2026
Ishita Mangal
Fashion and beauty content creator Ishita Mangal made an appearance at Cannes 2026, wearing an emotional tribute look dedicated to her grandmother.
She wore a Bandhani saree by Sundarii Handmade, paired with a silver bralette detailed with pearls, blending traditional textile craft with a modern silhouette on the red carpet.
Sufi Motiwala
Fashion commentator Sufi Motiwala made his Cannes 2026 debut, using the red carpet to represent queer Muslims worldwide, as he shared in a conversation with Brut.
He wore a custom Aisha Rao ensemble, featuring a jacket crafted from resham remnants and everyday karigari techniques, detailed with signature Inter Hana collection motifs inspired by the botanical works of Fumi Imamura.
Actor Javier Bardem made a strong statement at Cannes 2026 during the press conference for his film The Beloved, directed by Rodrigo Sorogoyen.
He spoke about toxic masculinity, linking it to both the themes of the film and broader real-world politics, referencing leaders such as Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Vladimir Putin as examples of aggressive male behavior patterns he criticized. Bardem discussed how these dynamics are reflected in power, family, and violence explored in the film, where he stars alongside Victoria Luengo.
Bella Hadid attended Cannes 2026 alongside her brother Anwar Hadid, walking the red carpet ahead of the screening of the French film Garance.
She wore a strapless satin column gown, styled in a clean, understated silhouette. Anwar Hadid joined her on the carpet in a classic formal look, as the siblings made a joint appearance at the festival event.
ALSO READ: From Rejection To Producing Her Own Film: Molshri’s Journey From Kota To Cannes 2026
Day 6: 17 May 2026
Ashok Saraf, Prajakta Mali and Ankit Prabhu-Walawalker
Marathi actors Ashok Saraf, Prajakta Mali, and Ankita Prabhu-Walawalkar attended the Cannes 2026 red carpet as part of the global launch of the OTT platform Abhijat Marathi.
They were seen in traditional Maharashtrian-inspired looks, with the group highlighting regional culture on the international stage. The delegation was present at the Bharat Pavilion event, where the OTT platform was officially unveiled, bringing Marathi storytelling and content to a global audience.
Sneh Sharma Khanal and Bhupendra Khanal
Entrepreneurs Sneh Sharma Khanal and Bhupendra Khanal, founders of Dogsee Chew, walked the Cannes 2026 red carpet together.
Sneh wore a look by Duchess Kumari, while Bhupendra opted for a classic suit. Both outfits featured a tribute to their late dog Mogli, whose memory was incorporated into their ensembles.
The couple, who founded Dogsee Chew in 2015 in the Himalayas, have built the brand into a global pet care company present in over 30 countries.
Pavitra Kaur
Food content creator, Pavitra Kaur, made her debut at the Cannes 2026 red carpet in a white structured ensemble outfit by Kalki Fashion.
She is the first food content creator to walk the Cannes red carpet. In a conversation with Brut, she said it feels like a dream come true.
Niharika Jain
Niharika Jain appeared on the Cannes 2026 red carpet wearing a concept look featuring three Indian women entrepreneurs. The first element is her headpiece from her brand Dumroo, which represents divine feminine energy and celebrates the inner Shakti. The second is a lotus ensemble with a golden corset by Stature. The third is a drape by Evable.
Niranjan Mondal
Content creator and actor Niranjan Mondal, popularly known as Laughtersane, walked the Cannes 2026 red carpet in a look by designer Vare. He wore a white dhoti kurta with a black bandhgala and a pocket watch. The outfit features katha stitch and fish embroidery.
Smriti Khanna
Smriti Khanna made an appearance on the Cannes 2026 red carpet in a soft glam look styled by designer Uksana Mukha. Her outfit reflected a minimal, elegant red carpet aesthetic with a modern finish.
The inspiration behind the look was Smriti herself, with the concept centered on her “imitating herself,” translating her personal style and on-screen presence into a couture interpretation. The appearance highlighted a self-referential fashion narrative, where the look becomes an extension of her own identity on the global stage.
Day 5: 16 May 2026
Dipali Mathur
Mrs. India 2025–26 Dipali Mathur appeared on the Cannes 2026 red carpet in a custom Gaurav Gupta creation. The look represents power, fluidity and femininity through a sculpted silhouette. The skirt highlights Indian craftsmanship with traditional dabka and nakshi embroidery, bringing detailed handwork into a modern couture form. She represents the story of the new age Indian woman and the rise of ambition that is agnostic of age.
Sanam Saeed
Pakistani actor Sanam Saeed made her Cannes 2026 debut in a custom white peacock-inspired outfit by designer Hussain Rehar.
She attended the premiere of Sheep In The Box and was named the inaugural honoree of the South Asian Women Excellence in Cinema and Arts initiative launched by US Studios. Her ivory ensemble featured mukaish, zardozi and mirror work, styled with a gajra and maang teeka as a tribute to South Asian craftsmanship and Pakistani cinema.
Aditi Rao Hyadri
Aditi Rao Hydari walked the Cannes 2026 red carpet for the fourth time in a neon green Tony Ward Couture gown featuring an asymmetrical bodice, a train, and a thigh-high slit. She paired the look with jewellery and makeup by L’Oréal Paris.
Ishani Mitra
Ishani Mitra made her Cannes 2026 debut in a custom outfit by Love J The Label. Speaking to Brut on the red carpet, she said she wanted to bring India with her through the outfit while also including elements of her personal style.
The look was built around a reimagined saree silhouette, combining traditional Indian wear references with a contemporary design approach.
Nidhi Kumar
Nidhi Kumar made her debut at Cannes 2026 with her husband, Mohak Malhotra, wearing a Madhuri Dixit-inspired outfit. Her custom look by designer Rachit Khanna referenced Bollywood dance and performance culture.
The ensemble included embroidered poses inspired by Madhuri Dixit’s songs, handcrafted ghungroo details, and colours linked to Nidhi’s dance brand, NKD. She said the outfit represented both India and the dance community she comes from.
Krutika Singh (@themermaidscales)
Krutika Singh’s Cannes debut with ELLE India brings a touch of theatre nostalgia to the red carpet. Inspired by her childhood memories of watching plays unfold behind grand curtains and dramatic drapes, her Cannes look translates that emotion into a silhouette.
The white ensemble has a theatre-inspired design with flowing fabric and curtain-like movement. The outfit focuses on storytelling, drawing from the idea of a scene from a play brought to life.
ALSO READ: Did Cannes 2026 Just Confirm The Return Of Capri Pants Through Alia Bhatt?
Day 4: 15 May 2026
Dylan Sprouse and Barbara Palvin Sprouse appeared together at the Cannes Film Festival 2026 during the screening of Histoires Parallèles (Parallel Tales) at the Palais des Festivals.
The couple used the appearance to announce that they are expecting their first child, with Barbara Palvin displaying her baby bump on the red carpet. She wore a light blue gown, while Dylan Sprouse accompanied her in a coordinated formal suit.
They first met in 2017, began dating in 2018, got engaged in 2022, and married in 2023.
Disha Madan
Disha Madan made her third Cannes 2026 red carpet appearance in a traditional handwoven saree.
The saree was created using zari work and hand embroidery by artisans, with detailing done over multiple hours. The look continued her focus on Indian textile craftsmanship and was styled for the red carpet at Cannes.
Aditi Rao Hydari
Aditi Rao Hydari made her first Cannes 2026 appearance in a black-and-white halter-neck gown for a L’Oréal Paris event.
Her dress had a fitted bodice and a flared skirt. She paired the look with minimal jewellery, soft waves, and natural makeup.
Tara Sutaria
For her third Cannes 2026 appearance, Tara Sutaria attended the Women in Cinema Gala dinner in a white satin gown by Vivienne Westwood with a corset-style bodice and a fluid silhouette.
She wore the Turaco necklace with 53-carat diamonds, matching earrings with 16-carat diamonds and green Sannan Skarn stones from the Terres d’Instinct collection, and the Concorde pear-shaped diamond ring in 18k white gold.
Huma Qureshi
Huma Qureshi made her first appearance at Cannes 2026 in a black suit by Gabriela Hearst for the Red Sea Film Foundation’s Women in Cinema Gala.
She wore a black tailored ensemble with statement jewellery and a glam makeup look, keeping the focus on the outfit’s silhouette and structure.
Day 3: 14 May 2026
Disha Madan
Disha Madan made her second Cannes 2026 appearance in a look designed by Niharika Vivek.
The outfit was based on Banjara Kasuti craft and was made over six months. It included 2500 hours of hand embroidery by five women artisans and 80 hours of cutting and stitching. The ensemble used over 30 meters of South Indian silk fabric.
The look was made in Karnataka, with fabric, embroidery, and jewellery created by artisans across the state.
Disha Madan made her first Cannes 2026 appearance in a silhouette designed by Nadah.
The outfit was handwoven by artisans in Bengaluru and featured zardosi embroidery on the neckline with metallic thread work. The fabric was sourced from Mysore Saree Udyog, a retail brand established in 1982 known for handloom and silk textiles.
The look featured embroidery and handwoven textile work on the Cannes red carpet.
Roopi Gill
Punjabi actor Roopi Gill attended Cannes 2026 for her film Chardikala, which premiered at the Cannes Film Market ahead of its India release on 29 May.
She appeared on the red carpet in an ivory suit featuring double dupattas and wheat-like motifs inspired by Punjab’s agricultural identity. The look was paired with traditional jewellery, bringing Punjabi references to the Cannes red carpet.
Tara Sutaria
For her second Cannes 2026 appearance, Tara Sutaria wore a black Rhea Costa look featuring an off-shoulder corset top with a draped neckline and a midi skirt with side pleats and a back slit.
She paired the outfit with black opera gloves, Chanel earrings, and Saint Laurent sunglasses.
Tara Sutaria made her Cannes 2026 debut in a black-and-white strapless Helsa gown with a sweetheart neckline, fitted bodice, and midi skirt with lace detailing at the hem.
Styled by Tanya Ghavri, she paired the look with pearl-drop earrings, cat-eye sunglasses, and retro-inspired hair and makeup.
She attended the festival as an invitee and was honoured at the Red Sea Film Foundation’s Women in Cinema Gala.
Aimee Baruah
Aimee Baruah from Assam walked the Cannes Film Festival red carpet for the fifth time, representing Northeast India.
She wore traditional attire of the Karbi tribe from Assam, a community known for handwoven textiles and cultural heritage.
She is expected to wear traditional outfits from different Northeast Indian communities during her Cannes visit, showcasing their crafts on an international platform.
Alia Bhatt
At a L’Oréal Paris event during Cannes 2026, Alia Bhatt wore a custom Tarun Tahiliani couture saree inspired by corseted chinoiserie and archival chintz florals.
The look combined Victorian-style corsetry with Indian draping. Sculpted drapes, woven panels, embroidery, and a bias-cut silhouette shaped the ensemble.
Styled by Rhea Kapoor, the outfit brought together heritage references and contemporary couture elements for her third Cannes appearance.
Vin Diesel attended Cannes 2026 for a special screening marking the 25th anniversary of The Fast and the Furious.
Day 2: 13 May 2026
Rida Tharana
“I’m taking this space while being brown, having curly hair,” said Rida Tharana as she made her Cannes debut.
Originally from Coorg, Rida walked the red carpet in a custom outfit by Nikhil Gajare. She attended the screening of La Vie d’une Femme in a fitted embellished gown with a shimmering finish and subtle detailing.
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Alia Bhatt
Alia Bhatt made her second appearance at Cannes 2026 in a lacy couture gown by Danielle Frankel.
The custom steel blue spaghetti strap gown featured an elongated bodice and a full ball skirt. The bodice was made from silk satin layered with honeycomb lace and finished with chantilly lace at the neckline. The skirt was cut from crinkle organza layered over honeycomb lace, styled with a chantilly lace collar.
She paired the look with a lace-inspired statement necklace and kept her makeup minimal with sleek styling.
At Cannes, Alia Bhatt attended day two at the Bharat Pavilion in a custom Tarun Tahiliani draped concept saree blending Victorian corsetry with Indian drape traditions.
It featured a structured corset, ivory chanderi dhoti skirt, and layered drapes forming an apsar-ette silhouette with sculpted folds and floral embroidery. Tonal embroidery ran through the fabric, with corset–drape contrast shaping the look. From the back, it opened into a deep neckline, while the pallu had sheer panels and floral threadwork. She styled it with a bindi, nose ring, jhumka earrings, and haathphool.
Day 1: 12 May 2026
Urvashi Rautela
Urvashi Rautela returned to the Cannes Film Festival 2026 for her fifth consecutive appearance. She attended the opening ceremony in a silver couture gown by Vietnamese label JoliPoli Couture, featuring crystal embellishments, sheer detailing, and cape-style sleeves.
She paired the look with a maang tikka-inspired headpiece and oversized earrings. Speaking at Cannes, Urvashi also said she was proud to represent India on the global stage.
Payal Kapadia
Payal Kapadia is an Indian filmmaker known for redefining independent Indian cinema through experimental storytelling. An FTII graduate, she first gained global attention with her documentary A Night of Knowing Nothing, which won at the Cannes Film Festival in 2021. Her debut feature All We Imagine as Light won the Grand Prix in 2024, marking a major milestone in her career.
In 2026, she does not have a new competing film at Cannes. Instead, she returns as Jury President of Critics’ Week, supporting emerging global filmmakers at the festival.
Alia Bhatt
Later in the day, Alia Bhatt attended the opening ceremony of the Cannes Film Festival 2026 on 12 May in a peach-toned statement look.
She wore a strapless, figure-hugging gown by Tamara Ralph with a bold plunging cutout neckline, paired with a matching dupatta draped around her shoulders. The monotone silhouette balanced structure and fluidity for a sleek red carpet finish.
She styled it with a statement coral necklace embellished with diamonds. Her makeup was kept elegant and minimal with soft peach-pink tones, subtle shimmer on the eyes and cheeks, and nude glossy lips.
Alia Bhatt has already unveiled her first look from Cannes 2026 in a structured corset ball gown featuring hand-painted artwork inspired by the French Riviera.
The brushstrokes were created by artist Basuri Chokshi and later sculpted into the gown’s silhouette by textile artist Yash Patil under the fashion label That Antique Piece.
ALSO READ: Who Is Basuri Chokshi? The Artist Behind Alia Bhatt’s Cannes Look
