15 Female Stars Who Stole the Spotlight at 79th Cannes Film Festival — Photos

This year's Cannes Film Festival opened with a wave of glamorous fashion moments as stars stepped onto the red carpet in striking designer looks.

The first two days of the 79th Cannes Film Festival brought a wave of glamorous fashion moments as celebrities arrived for premieres, screenings, and photocalls in southern France.

Several stars quickly became talking points during the event, including Demi Moore with her multiple red carpet looks and Meadow Walker during a special "Fast and Furious" screening. Their appearances also sparked reactions across social media as photos from Cannes spread online.

Why Cannes' Famous Red Carpet Steps Remain the Festival's Defining Feature

Many of the festival's biggest moments unfolded on the famous red carpet steps outside the Grand Théâtre Lumière. According to Thierry Frémaux, the festival's General Delegate since 2007, the famous Cannes staircase remains one of the event's defining traditions and most visible symbols. He said:

"For the organisation, they represent above all an opportunity to give an initial and equally special welcome to both the world's greatest film artists and emerging talent. They also represent an opportunity to honour the creativity of those artists on whom the Festival’s prestige depends."

According to the festival's official program, the 79th Cannes Film Festival is scheduled to run from May 12 to May 23, 2026. Here's a look at some of the women who stole the spotlight during the festival's opening days.

Heidi Klum

Heidi Klum brought soft glamour to the Cannes Film Festival in a flowing pale peach gown with ruched detailing and a floral accent at the neckline. She was first photographed stepping out of a black vehicle with a bright smile, her loose waves falling over her shoulders in the evening light.

Later, Klum posed on the festival's iconic red staircase, where the gown's sweeping train and draped silhouette stood out against the red carpet backdrop.

Jane Fonda

Jane Fonda embraced timeless elegance in a black sequined gown featuring long sleeves and a high neckline. A close-up portrait highlighted her silver curls, layered jewelry, and polished makeup, while another shot captured her waving confidently to photographers on the red carpet.

The shimmering gown and fitted silhouette gave her appearance a refined and classic finish.

Gillian Anderson

Gillian Anderson opted for understated sophistication in a cream-colored dress adorned with delicate floral embroidery. During the photocall, she posed with relaxed expressions and soft smiles that complemented the airy design of the outfit.

Her voluminous curls and minimal styling added to the effortless feel of the overall look, while dark red heels introduced a subtle contrast.

Joan Collins

Joan Collins made a dramatic entrance in a sculptural white gown with oversized ruffled details framing the neckline and shoulders. She paired the statement piece with sparkling diamond jewelry and long black gloves, adding extra glamour to the ensemble.

Whether posing for close-up portraits or full-length red carpet shots, Collins carried the bold look with confidence and poise.

Demi Moore

Demi Moore attended the Cannes Film Festival in a shimmering strapless silver gown that reflected the lights along the red carpet. She paired the fitted look with a layered diamond necklace and matching earrings, while her sleek, dark hair fell straight past her shoulders.

Close-up portraits highlighted the sparkling details of the dress and jewelry, while wider shots captured her walking confidently in front of photographers. Moore's appearance quickly drew mixed reactions online.

On Facebook, some viewers commented on her facial expressions in close-up photos. One user wrote, "Why is she doing that pouty duck mouth pose ?" Another commenter added, "what's with the boo boo tongue thing ??????"

Instagram users also reacted to her close-up red carpet shots. One netizen commented, "Zoom in on the teeth 🥴." Another person wrote, "I see gingivitis." A different user added, "they look like horse teeth."

Meanwhile, on Instagram, users praised Moore's overall appearance and styling. One admirer commented, "Always perfect," while another user wrote, "Absolutely Gorgeous 🤩." Another commenter focused on her accessories, writing, "That dress looks terribly uncomfortable but the necklace is STUNNING!"

Demi Moore's Outfit Change

For another Cannes appearance, Moore changed into a sheer lavender off-the-shoulder gown with a dramatic flowing train. The lightweight fabric billowed behind her as she walked the red carpet, adding movement to several wide-angle shots.

In closer photos, the gown's textured finish and soft lavender tone stood out against the bright backdrop, while her wet-look hairstyle added a sleek and modern edge to the overall appearance.

Paul Walker's Daughter, Meadow Walker

Meadow Walker attended "The Fast and the Furious" screening at the Cannes Film Festival in a sleeveless chartreuse dress featuring a ribbed texture and high neckline. In one close-up photo, she smiled and waved toward photographers while the side-angle shot highlighted her short, dark bob and minimal jewelry.

Another image captured Walker posing on the red carpet in a full-length front-facing shot that showcased the dress's fitted silhouette and softly flared skirt. The lighting emphasized the muted yellow-green tone of the outfit and its textured detailing.

Walker was also photographed alongside Michelle Rodriguez during the film's anniversary screening. The candid-style image showed both women smiling as Rodriguez leaned against Walker's shoulder, creating a more relaxed and playful moment compared to the formal red carpet poses.

On Instagram, viewers reacted to Walker's Cannes appearance. One commenter wrote, "Is it just me? Or does Meadow look a lot like Sabrina Carpenter?" Another admirer commented, "Just stunning." A different user added, "Meadow!!"

On the same platform, some referenced her resemblance to her late dad. One netizen wrote, "In any case, Meadow doesn't look anything like her father." Another commenter added, "❤️❤️❤️❤️👏👏👏still miss Paul walker [sic]."

More people also shared reactions to her appearance on Facebook. One person commented, "His twin," while another gushed, "She's so lovely."

Michelle Rodriguez

Rodriguez attended "The Fast and the Furious" screening in a sparkling silver strapless gown with a sheer tulle overskirt. In one photo, she waved at photographers while posing at the center of the red carpet.

Another image captured her turning over her shoulder as the layered train flowed behind her. Her pulled-back hairstyle kept the focus on the shimmering details of the dress.

Aja Naomi King

Aja Naomi King appeared at the "La Vie D'Une Femme" screening in a white lace gown with ruffled shoulders and floral detailing. In the full-length photo, she faced the camera directly with one arm resting at her side. The straight-on angle highlighted the slim shape of the dress and its textured pattern.

Her layered necklace and softly styled hair added contrast to the delicate look, while the bright red carpet made the white gown stand out even more.

Jordana Brewster

Jordana Brewster walked the red carpet in a black lace gown with sheer panels and a plunging neckline. In the photo, she stood facing forward with a relaxed pose as photographers gathered behind her. The full-body angle showed the fitted silhouette and detailed lace fabric.

Her loose waves framed her face, while simple accessories kept the attention on the dress.

Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu

Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu attended the Cannes opening ceremony in a dramatic purple gown with layered ruffles and a long train. In the portrait-style image, she faced the camera while standing with her hands lowered in front of her. The front-facing angle emphasized the volume of the dress and its textured fabric.

Her short blonde hairstyle balanced the bold design, while the rich purple color stood out against the red carpet.

Maura Higgins

Maura Higgins arrived at the Cannes opening ceremony in a black strapless gown with a white neckline and oversized puffed sleeves. In the photo, she posed at a slight angle with one leg forward and her hands near her waist. The full-length shot highlighted the fitted bodice and the long train trailing behind her.

Her short wavy hairstyle gave the look a classic finish while the dramatic sleeves added volume to the outfit.

Kelly Rutherford

Kelly Rutherford attended the Cannes opening ceremony in a fitted black sequined gown with long sleeves. In the photo, she faced the cameras directly, letting the subtle sparkle of the dress stand out against the red carpet. Her sleek, pulled-back hairstyle gave the look a polished finish.

Poppy Delevingne

Poppy Delevingne wore a black velvet gown with sheer layered detailing around the neckline and shoulders. The full-length shot captured her standing calmly on the red carpet as photographers surrounded her in the background. Her updo kept the attention on the dramatic design of the dress.

Hannah Einbinder

Hannah Einbinder appeared at the "La Vie D'Une Femme" screening in a white high-neck top paired with an ivory satin skirt. In the portrait-style image, she stood with her hands lightly clasped in front of her, giving the look a simple and elegant feel.

Claire Holt

Claire Holt arrived in a strapless black gown with a shimmering champagne-toned bodice and a flowing skirt. In the full-body photo, she stood at a slight angle while the layered skirt spread softly around her. Her loose blonde waves completed the classic red carpet look.

As the 79th Cannes Film Festival continues, more celebrities are expected to arrive for upcoming premieres and screenings. The festival's opening days already delivered a mix of classic glamour, dramatic red-carpet looks, and viral moments that kept the public and photographers watching closely.