The 19 Best Cannes Film Festival Red Carpet Moments Ever

last updated 17 July 2020

The Cannes Film Festival is arguably the most glamorous festival of the year, boasting a red carpet that, much like the Met Gala and the Oscars, has provided us with some of the most memorable, over-the-top fashion moments to date. Don't believe us? Just take a look at the Cannes archives.

The film festival, held annually in May, was founded back in 1946. And since its beginnings, it's attracted a bevy of A-list actors and actresses, top models, and royalty—yes, Princess Diana made a dazzling red carpet appearance in 1987 in a powder blue Catherine Walker gown, a look that, to this day, still captures the elegance and grace of the festival.

This year's event, commencing on May 8, will undoubtedly see some over-the-top, history-making style moments—and to say we're excited is a serious understatement. So to hold you (and ourselves) over until then, we took a trip down memory lane, rounding up some of the absolute best Cannes Film Festival red carpet moments to date, from Sophia Loren's sophisticated ball gown of the '60s to Princess Diana's elegant chiffon number in the '80s to Lupita Nyong'o's breathtaking Gucci gown (and red carpet twirl).