While international auteurs are at the helm of the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, some of Hollywood’s most impressive names will still walk the red carpet.
The opening ceremony was hosted at the Grand Théâtre Lumière, where the jury stood proud in front of the cameras. Serving on the committee this year include President Park Chan-Wook, Demi Moore, Stellan Skarsgard, Chloe Zhao, Ruth Negga, Laura Wandel, Diego Céspedes, and Isaach de Bankolé.
They will judge a long list of international features to determine the award winners, including the honourary Palme d’Or – which was claimed by The Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson during the opening ceremony. Notable films premiering at the Cannes Film Festival include John Lennon: The Last Interview, which has used AI-imagery, All of a Sudden, Butterfly Jam starring Riley Keough, and Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma featuring Gillian Anderson.
Strutting the red carpet are Hollywood stars, F1 drivers, models and all around creative geniuses. We’ve already spotted some of our favourites including Jane Fonda, Australian actress Claire Holt, Dame Joan Collins and Lily Collins.
Below are The Weekly’s favourite red carpet moments from the 2026 Cannes Film Festival.
79th Cannes Film Festival red carpet:
Laura Dern
In a rare family outing, Laura Dern attended the screening of Dernsie: The Amazing Life of Bruce Dern with her children Ellery (not pictured) and Jaya Harper, and father Bruce Dern.
The documentary explores Bruce’s life following an incredible 65 years in Hollywood. Featuring in the film are a number of Hollywood heavyweights including his own daughter Laura, Quentin Tarantino, and Alexander Payne.
Bruce has starred in a number of iconic films including The Wild Angels, The Cowboys, The Great Gatsby, Coming Home and Nebraska – which he won a Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival.
Irina Shayk
Also attending the La Bataille De Gaulle: L’Âge De Fer screening was Russian model Irina Shayk, 40, in an elegant and timeless slip dress.
Barbara Palvin & Dylan Sprouse
Hungarian model Barbara Palvin and American actor Dylan Sprouse announced the pregnancy of their first child together upon walking the Cannes Film Festival red carpet.
For the surprise pregnancy reveal, Barbara, 32, wore a baby blue, feather-hemmed dress from Miu Miu while cradling her bump.
Barbara and Dylan, who tied the knot in 2023, were in attendance to watch the screening of Histoires Parallèles, which translates into Parallel Tales in English.
Demi Moore
Stealing the show in one of her most dramatic looks yet, was Demi Moore in a hot-pink gown designed by Matières Fécales.
Demi wore the show-stopping dress while attending the premiere of Paper Tiger.
Cate Blanchett
Attending the Garance screening, Cate Blanchett wore a beautiful gown inspired by the work of Olan Ventura, a Filipino artist. The gown was designed by Sarah Burton for Givenchy’s fall/winter 2026 collection.
Following this appearance, Variety reported the Australian actress would star alongside Michael Fassbender in an “X-rated” movie alongside Selena Gomez.
Demi Moore
After stunning in white during the opening ceremony, Demi Moore returned to the Cannes Film Festival in a shimmering purple Gucci gown.
The Substance actress was attending the screening of French film, La Vie D’Une Femme, which translates to A Woman’s Life directed by Charline Bourgeois-Tacquet.
Gillian Anderson
Also attending the premiere of La Vie D’Une Femme was Sex Education star Gillian Anderson.
The 57-year-od is set to return to the Cannes Film Festival for the premiere of her own movie, Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma.
Charles and Alexandra Leclerc
Attending the screening of La Vie D’Une Femme, F1 racer Charles Leclerc and wife Alexandra who exchanged vows in March 2026.
Alexandra’s stunning gold shimmering dress is from Australian designer Paolo Sebastian, who also designed her “dream” wedding dress.
Their appearance at Cannes comes hours after Aston Martin reportedly made a “serious offer” to the Ferrari driver, in which he rejected.
The Fast and the Furious
Celebrating 25 years of The Fast and the Furious, some of the original cast honoured its lasting impact in cinema at the 79th Cannes Film Festival. In attendance were Vin Diesel (Dominic Toretto), Jordana Brewster (Mia Toretto), Michelle Rodriguez (Letty Oritiz), and Tyrese Gibson (Roman Pearce) who isn’t pictured in the above photo.
On the far left is Meadow Rain Walker, the daughter of late-actor Paul Walker (Brian O’Connor).
“This is a film where brotherhood was introduced to our millennium, by myself and my brother Pablo,” Vin said at the screening, referring to Paul. “And the person that was not going to let me come alone here to represent that brotherhood is Meadow Walker.
“I’m gonna go and shed a tear real quick, but I just want you all to know, the only reason why we’re making the finale of Fast for 2028 is because of each and every one of you that has given us your hearts and your loyalty. Each and every one of you that has felt like you were a part of our family, you make us have to continue. You make us want to make you all proud. What you’re gonna watch tonight is the beginning of one word, and that word is love. I love you all.”
Jane Fonda
Jane Fonda, 88, was among the many A-listers attending the screening of La Vénus Electrique, which translates to The Electric Kiss. The 2026 romantic comedy is set in 1928 Paris, following a widowed painter who unwittingly participates in fake séance staged by a carnival worker.
The American actress opened the 79th festival alongside Chinese star Gong Li.
“I believe that cinema has always been an act of resistance because we tell the stories… stories that bring empathy to the marginalised, stories that allow us to feel across difference, stories that let us see that there is an alternative future that is possible,” she said.
“So let’s celebrate audacity, freedom, and the fierce act of creation.”
Demi Moore
When Demi Moore last appeared at the Cannes Film Festival, it was with the horror film, The Substance. Now, she is a respected member of the jury wearing a beautiful strapless gown from Jacquemus for the opening ceremony and the La Vénus Electrique screening.
With recent controversies around AI in film, Demi was asked for her opinion during a press conference, noting that it is not a battle they can win.
“I always feel that against-ness breeds against-ness,” she said. “AI is here.”
“The truth is there really isn’t anything to fear because what it can never replace is what true art comes from, which is not the physical, it comes from the soul.”
Dame Joan Collins
Joan Collins, officially made a Dame Commander of the Order in 2015 by Queen Elizabeth II, attended both the opening ceremony and the screening of La Vénus Electrique.
The Dynasty actress commanded our attention at the Palais des Festivals in a haute couture gown by Stéphane Rolland. The 92-year-old completed the look with dramatic black opera gloves, a diamond necklace and matching chandelier earrings.
After looking like a real-life marble sculpture at the Met Gala, the German-American model has opted for a more whimiscal look for the opening ceremony and La Vénus Electrique screening. The 52-year-old wore a beautiful peach Elie Saab gown from last years collection.
Kelly Rutherford
Ah, Kelly Rutherford… Aside from her acting roles on Gossip Girl, Melrose Place, and Generations, she has become known for her steal-worthy style captured in mirror selfies.
On May 12, Kelly walked the red carpet in a semi-sheer black sequenier Giorgio Armani gown – which technically breaks a Cannes dress code rule. Last year, the Cannes Film Festival banned sheer and voluminous gowns on the red carpet just 24 hours before the festival was to begin.
Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu
From struting the steets of France, to struting down the Cannes red carpet. Emily in Paris’ Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu donned a deep purple Saint Laurent gown for the opening ceremony and the La Vénus Electrique screening.
