Looking back at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival (May 13–24)

Hard to believe, but true—this year’s Cannes Film Festival began… without a single umbrella in sight!

The notoriously fickle weather that usually greets the opening night had a change of heart, offering sunshine instead of showers. Not a drop of rain for the first red carpet—an almost broken tradition, some would say. But rest assured, while the skies stayed dry, a dazzling downpour of stars hit the Croisette from the very first hours.

On the red carpet, Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Quentin Tarantino set the tone early on. And of course, Tom Cruise—seemingly untouched by time, as if his role in Interview with the Vampire made him immortal—was there to present the latest installment of Mission: Impossible. Still performing his own stunts, still ageless. Time marches on, but he doesn’t.

On the glam side, Eva Longoria—forever remembered as the iconic Desperate Housewife—marked 20 years as a L’Oréal ambassador, a longtime official partner of the festival. She, too, seems to defy the passage of time, with elegance and poise as radiant as ever.

Since selfies were banned in 2019, the festival has been gradually refining its code of conduct. This year, it was fashion’s turn to be reined in. Gone were the sweeping trains, oversized silhouettes, and overly revealing outfits. Clear and strict guidelines were issued—and jury member Halle Berry reportedly had to change her dress at the last minute to comply with the updated dress code.

But the true fashion moment—unexpected and applauded—came from the men’s side. Swedish actor Alexander Skarsgård, in town to present the film Pillion, made waves in knee-high Yves Saint Laurent boots—a bold, stylish nod to his biker role in the film. A fearless fashion statement that earned him, without question, the Palme for disruptive elegance.

Gala Glamour, Festival Honours, and a Riviera Blackout

The annual amfAR gala, held during the festival’s second week at the legendary Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, once again brought together global stars for a worthy cause: supporting HIV/AIDS research.

In competition, the jury led by Juliette Binoche awarded the Palme d’Or to A Simple Accident, an Iranian drama as powerful as it is subtle.

The Grand Prix went to Sentimental Value, by Norwegian director Joachim Trier—a tender and heartrending story, brought to life by the brilliant Stellan Skarsgård, a pillar of Nordic cinema and, incidentally, Alexander’s father. The Skarsgårds, without a doubt, left their mark on this year’s edition.

Not even the massive blackout that plunged much of the French Riviera into darkness for an entire day could dim the magic of the festival.

Cannes will always shine—electricity or not.
See you next year on the Croisette—rain or shine, but always in style.

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