5 Celebrity Outfits That Stole the Spotlight at Cannes Opening Ceremony – Photos

Between bold silhouettes, sparkling couture, and one headline-making dress code violation, celebrities turned the famous French Riviera steps into a full-on fashion showdown.

The Cannes Film Festival opening ceremony always delivers glamour, but this year's red carpet came with extra drama. Some stars like Jane Fonda and Demi Moore embraced classic elegance. Others like Heidi Klum and Kelly Rutherford pushed boundaries in ways that instantly got people talking.

With Cannes tightening its rules around sheer dressing and oversized gowns, every outfit at the event seemed to carry a little extra tension. Here are the five celebrity looks that completely stole the spotlight at Cannes.

Kelly Rutherford Ignored the Rules in a Sheer Armani Look

One of the most talked-about arrivals of the night belonged to Rutherford, who appeared totally unfazed by Cannes' controversial new dress code restrictions. The "Gossip Girl" actress arrived in a semi-sheer black sequined Giorgio Armani gown that revealed her black undergarments underneath.

The sleek design shimmered under the red carpet lights and instantly sparked conversation because Cannes officially prohibits "naked" or sheer dressing "for decency reasons." The rules, introduced in 2025, also warn that festival staff can deny red carpet access to anyone violating the policy.

Still, Rutherford appeared completely confident as she posed in the daring ensemble. The 57-year-old wore her blonde hair in a sleek bun and paired the gown with black pointed-toe heels.

Her accessories elevated the entire look. Rutherford added a stunning diamond necklace featuring pale blue jewels, along with sparkling diamond studs. The actress attended the opening ceremony and a screening of "The Electric Venus," but her outfit quickly became one of the festival's biggest fashion talking points.

Some viewers defended Rutherford and felt her outfit was far from the most daring look on the carpet. One person wrote, "Respectfully, she looks just fine. She’s not wearing a thong/body suit/cottage cheese spilling out. Not the worst I've seen."

Another commenter questioned the gown choice altogether, "I'm 50, and I would NOT wear a see thru [sic] gown. I'm sure she had a million choices. This was the wrong one!" A different fan shared their opinion, "She’s lovely, but the dress is too harsh for her."

One reaction focused on the styling details. The commenter shared, "Would be better if lined in one even color. Detracts from the dress, which I like. The underwear and dress work against each other." Others took a harsher stance on the look, with one person writing, "No sense of decorum."

Jane Fonda Delivered Timeless Hollywood Glamour

While some stars aimed for shock value, Fonda reminded everyone that classic elegance still wins at Cannes. The Oscar-winning actress made her first public appearance since the death of her ex-husband Ted Turner, and she did it in unforgettable style.

Fonda walked the red carpet in a glitzy long-sleeved black Gucci gown paired with Pomellato jewelry. The look balanced sophistication with subtle sparkle, proving once again why she remains one of Hollywood's most respected fashion icons.

She posed alongside Demi Moore before taking the stage with actress Gong Li to officially open the festival. But it was not only her gown that captured attention. During the ceremony, Fonda delivered a passionate speech about storytelling and creativity.

"I believe that cinema has always been an act of resistance, because we tell stories and stories are what make a civilization," she said onstage. "Stories that bring empathy to the marginalized, stories that allow us to feel across difference. Stories that let us see that there is an alternative future that is possible."

The emotional moment added even more weight to her appearance. Fonda drew praise for her glamorous appearance, though some fans still pointed out cosmetic work. One viewer commented, "I love the dress and necklace, but she has clearly recently taken one step too far with the cosmetic enhancement."

Another admirer kept it short and celebratory, writing, "Glamour in the true sense." A separate commenter was impressed by how she looked at her age, saying, "Absolutely stunning for ages 💕💕."

Joan Collins Proved Glamour Has No Age Limit

At 92 years old, Collins still knows exactly how to command a red carpet. The legendary actress wore a breathtaking orchid-inspired Stéphane Rolland Couture gown that looked straight out of a fashion fantasy.

The sculptural white dress featured dramatic petal-like ruffles framing her décolletage, creating an instantly theatrical effect. The fitted silhouette flowed elegantly to the floor and highlighted Collins' poised presence.

Every detail felt intentional. She paired the gown with classic black opera gloves, a dazzling diamond necklace, and matching chandelier earrings. Her makeup completed the glamorous aesthetic with softly defined eyes, rosy cheeks, and a bold pink lip. The result was pure old-school Cannes magic.

Collins sparked admiration online, with one fan amazed by her youthful appearance. The person wrote, "Unbelievable - how can you look so wonderful at 92?" Another admirer praised both her style and presence, "She is still so beautiful and shining. And her dress suits her so well, and it is so nice. Bravo 🥰🥰🥰."

One viewer appeared surprised to see her without her signature hairpiece, adding, "First time I see her without a wig … She looks amazing 🌹." Another reaction summed up the sentiment in just a few words: "92 never looked so good!!"

Heidi Klum Turned Heads in a Whimsical Elie Saab Gown

Klum leaned fully into fantasy fashion with one of the most visually striking gowns of the evening. The model and television personality attended the premiere of "The Electric Venus" wearing a strapless peach Elie Saab creation that mixed structure with softness.

The gown featured a structured bodice with a plunging neckline, cinched waist, and emphasized hips that created dramatic proportions. The fitted column silhouette gave the dress a sleek foundation, but the real drama appeared at the back.

Flowing fabric cascaded behind Klum, adding movement and a softer contrast to the architectural design. Then came the floral detail. At the neckline sat a large pink floral appliqué bursting with layered petals and yellow tones at the center.

Hints of lilac and speckled green added even more whimsy to the look. It was romantic, theatrical, and impossible to ignore. The actress has never been afraid of bold fashion choices, and this gown felt perfectly tailored for Cannes' over-the-top glamour.

As for Heidi Klum, many reactions centered on the structure and fit of her dress. One critic bluntly wrote, "Does nothing for her figure whatsoever, and the color is awful." Another netizen commented, "She is so beautiful, but her stylist is doing [sic] wrong dress choices."

A separate viewer questioned the silhouette, "Why would she wear a dress that makes her hips wider? Still stunning tho." Some reactions focused on how the gown altered her proportions, with one commenter asking, "Why this dress makes her look huge? [sic]" One more commenter added, "She's gained a few pounds."

Others speculated about her appearance, including one person who wrote, "She gained weight 👀." Another fan thought the dress itself was the issue rather than Heidi's overall look, penning, "The dress is strange. She actually looks very pretty - face, hair, but the dress...meh."

Demi Moore Looked like a Modern Princess

If there was one celebrity who truly embodied luxury from head to toe, it may have been Moore. As a jury member this year, Moore arrived at the opening ceremony in a custom Jacquemus gown covered in pearlescent sequins.

The gown featured a peplum waist and elegant paneling that flowed into a mermaid skirt, giving the entire design a regal silhouette. Under the flashing cameras, the shimmering fabric almost looked liquid.

Moore completed the look with jaw-dropping Chopard jewelry, including a dramatic five-tier diamond necklace, matching floral earrings, and sparkling rings. The overall effect was pure Cannes royalty.

But Moore also used the moment to speak about creativity and artistic freedom. When asked about the relationship between art and politics at the festival, she said, "I think part of art is about expression. So if we start censoring ourselves, then I think we shut down the very core of our creativity, which is, I think, where we can discover truth and answers."

Demi Moore's appearance generated mixed reactions, particularly regarding her slim frame. One person wrote, "This is Ozempic arms." Another commenter focused on her appearance and said, "Her arms!!! Someone give her a protein shake or a steak or something."

Despite the criticism, some fans still praised her outfit while expressing concern about her weight. One admirer wrote, "Absolutely stunning, glamorous dress. But Demi needs to gain weight. Don’t let Hollywood ruin your health." Another reaction highlighted her overall elegance, "Demi looks beautiful, and her diamonds are stunning💕."

Every year, Cannes promises unforgettable fashion moments. But this opening ceremony felt especially charged because of the festival's stricter rules and the growing conversation around celebrity self-expression.

Some stars played it safe. Others clearly did not. From Rutherford's sheer Armani rebellion to Collins' sculptural couture moment, the red carpet became more than just a fashion showcase. It became a statement about personality, confidence, and individuality. And if opening night was any indication, Cannes 2026 is only getting started.