Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt has arrived at the Cannes Film Festival 2026, and her first look is absolutely stunning! The Bollywood star, attending as India’s global ambassador for L’Oreal Paris, was spotted on May 12th in a gorgeous printed ball gown, giving radiating summer vibes. While everyone was waiting to have a glimpse of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan but seems like she is not likely to attend the festival. Notably, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s presence at the Cannes Film Festival has been a constant for years, synonymous with L’Oreal Paris. As a global ambassador since 2004, she’s been a prominent Indian face at the event for over two decades. Alia’s first look from Cannes Alia’s dress, with its soft and romantic feel, featured a corset-style bodice, delicate spaghetti straps, and a flattering sweetheart neckline. Her outfit had colours like washes of pastel green, blue, lavender, and hints of yellow, creating an effect reminiscent of an impressionist garden painting, truly a work of art! Alia kept her makeup minimal She opted for nude-pink lipstick, subtle shimmery eyeshadow, and a touch of blush. Her hair was styled in a chic side-parted bun, and she skipped heavy jewelry, choosing instead a few statement rings and dainty earrings. The overall effect was effortless elegance. This was Alia’s second appearance at Cannes Fest; she debuted last year This marks Alia Bhatt’s second appearance at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, having made her debut last year. Upon her arrival, she made a stylish statement in an all-black Carolina Herrera ensemble, bringing capri pants back into the spotlight. This chic outfit featured a structured blazer paired with fitted, cropped trousers from the label’s Spring 2026 collection. She completed the monochrome look with accessories from Gucci, including the Jackie 1961 shoulder bag and round-frame sunglasses. Fans are shocked and upset over Aishwarya’s absence However, ahead of this year’s festival, fans expressed shock and disappointment when Aishwarya was noticeably absent from L’Oreal’s latest promotional campaign. On May 10th, L’Oreal Paris shared an Instagram video showcasing the Hôtel Martinez decked out for Cannes, featuring giant posters of brand ambassadors like Alia Bhatt, Viola Davis, Eva Longoria, and Helen Mirren. Indian fans quickly noticed Aishwarya’s absence and flooded the comments section, questioning why she wasn’t included in the campaign. This sparked speculation and concern among her followers, who have come to expect her annual appearance representing both L’Oreal and India at the prestigious film festival. The Cannes Film Festival is being held from May 12 to May 23 The Cannes Film Festival, which kicks off today, May 12th, and runs until May 23rd, is expected to have a strong Indian presence this year. India’s regional cinema to shine at Cannes 2026 The Indo-American film ‘Bombay Stories’ will also be screened at Cannes. This film is based on Manto’s novel, which depicts the story of sex workers living in Bombay in the 1930s. The film is directed by Rahat Shah Kazmi. Actress Mouni Roy will be present at Cannes during the screening of this film. Other notable actors to appear at the fest The festival is likely to see a broad representation from the Indian film industry, with actors, filmmakers, and producers from various sectors attending. Other notable names expected to attend include Karan Johar, Tara Sutaria, Mouni Roy, and Ammy Virk. Payal Kapadia will be the jury member, Ashutosh Gowariker is the official delegate Ashutosh Gowariker, who made Lagaan, will be a part of Cannes this year as India’s official delegate. Payal Kapadia, who won two Cannes awards, the Grand Prix and the Golden Eye Award, in 2021 and 2024, is participating in Cannes this year as a jury member. She will be a jury member for the Critics’ Week category. Aishwarya Rai was the first Indian actress to become a jury member at Cannes Every year, selected people from around the world are included in the jury. Mrinal Sen was the first Indian to be included in the jury in 1982. Besides him, the first Indian female director to become a jury member was Mira Nair. Aishwarya Rai is the first Indian actress to be made a jury member at Cannes. However, now Deepika Padukone, Vidya Balan, and Sharmila Tagore are also included in this list. Palm d’Or to be awarded on the last day of the ceremony Palm d’Or is Cannes’ biggest and most prestigious award. This award is given to the best film selected in the festival’s main competition. It is considered the highest honour at Cannes. This year, the Palm d’Or award will be presented on May 23 at this festival. Top: Cannes’ Most Important Awards Entry banned on the red carpet if flat sandals are worn instead of heels According to the rules of the Red Carpet, it is mandatory for female celebrities arriving at the ceremony to wear heels. This rule was made in 2015. If any celebrity arrives here without heels, they are not allowed into the ceremony. In 2015, a similar incident became controversial, where some female celebrities were not allowed inside for not wearing heels. Actresses Kristen Stewart and Julia Roberts have also removed their heels on the red carpet in protest of this rule. Ban on Handbags and Selfies There is no specific dress code for the red carpet; however, it is mandatory for every celeb attending to look glamorous. Surprisingly, carrying handbags on the red carpet is strictly prohibited. Celebs attending here cannot carry clutches or any other bags in their hand. The red carpet rule book states: ‘Please leave your handbags at your hotel.’ Taking photos or selfies on the red carpet is also strictly prohibited; any celeb can only get their picture clicked by the paparazzi on the red carpet. The 2-kilometer red carpet is changed 3 times a day The celebrities who walk the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival are the most talked about. The red carpet was laid for the first time in 1989, on which numerous personalities walked to become part of the festival. Wearing expensive dresses and jewelry, celebrities walk on this red carpet all day, surrounded by crowds of paparazzi and media on three sides. This red carpet is 2 kilometers long; to keep it clean, it is changed 3 times a day.
Emphasize accuracy and depth.