The Cannes Film Festival is in full swing. And for Virginie Efira, it’s a busy time! The Franco-Belgian actress is starring in two competition films: “Histoires parallèles” by Iranian director Asghar Farhadi, and “Soudain” by Japanese director Ryûsuke Hamaguchi. On Thursday, May 14, as she walked the red carpet at the Palais des Festivals alongside Vincent Cassel, Pierre Niney, Catherine Deneuve, and Isabelle Huppert, the Brussels-born actress became the center of controversy. The issue at hand: a mini dress from Saint Laurent adorned in gold sequins. She completed her look with a pair of matching black heeled sandals and a Saint Laurent clutch.
Did Virginie Efira Break the Cannes Film Festival Rules?
The controversy arose due to a strict dress code governing the red carpet at the Palais des Festivals. The official Festival website states: “For gala screenings at the Grand Théâtre Lumière, around 7 pm and 10 pm, in the presence of the artistic teams, evening wear (long dress, tuxedo) is required. Otherwise, ‘little black dress’, cocktail dress, dark-colored pantsuit, elegant shoes and sandals with or without heels (no sneakers), a black or navy blue suit with a bow tie or dark tie are also allowed. For reasons of decency, nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as anywhere else at the Festival.”
Many are questioning whether Niels Schneider’s partner respected the rules, especially since she wore a short golden evening dress. However, cocktail attire is permitted, and as no nudity was involved, Virginie Efira followed the protocol perfectly.
Julia Roberts and Kristen Stewart Previously Walked the Cannes Red Carpet Barefoot
There have been instances of stars breaking the rules at Cannes. In 2016, during the 69th edition of the festival, Julia Roberts, while promoting the film “Money Monster” alongside George Clooney and Jodie Foster, decided to remove her heels and walk barefoot up the red carpet, much to the amusement of festival director Thierry Frémaux. Two years later, in 2018, Kristen Stewart, a jury member at the 71st edition, followed suit by kicking off her Louboutins before climbing the red carpet.
These symbolic gestures came at a time when several women were denied entry to screenings for not wearing high heels. In 2016, then 20-year-old model Bella Hadid made headlines by wearing a red, thigh-high split dress designed by French designer Alexandre Vauthier. It caused quite a stir on the Croisette!
