Cannes 2026 is underway, and a galaxy of stars from all walks of life, be it Hollywood, Bollywood, Pakistani actors, entrepreneurs, influencers, and directors, among others, have walked the red carpet, slaying in exotic outfits, wearing designer brands and making up the enigma and power of Cannes.
From L'Oréal's global ambassadors Alia Bhatt and Aditi Rao Hydari to Pakistani actor Sanam Saeed, influencers Sufi Motiwala, Rida Thadani, and Smriti Khanna, and Marathi veteran Ashok Saraf to Hollywood star Bella Hadid, the world is at Cannes.
Though Cannes is a film festival celebrating cinema and showing global audiences what world cinema really is, lately Cannes has become more of a fashion and glamour event where people are obsessed with who wore what on the red carpet, and no one really talks about films anymore. There are many international and regional films being screened at the festival, but barely any celebrity watching films or talking about cinema makes it to Instagram.
Let's take a look at who's who walked the Cannes this year so far
The opening was done by Alia Bhatt for L'Oréal. The actor carried five different looks at Cannes, including two red carpet appearances, one for the L'Oréal dinner and others for the India Pavilion and media interactions.
Aditi Rao Hydari
Next came Aditi Rao Hydari, who walked the red carpet on Saturday in a striking green outfit. She wore a thigh-high slit off-shoulder gown with an emerald neckline. Her long and beautiful lashes did all the talking, and she looked stunning in the green ensemble. However, many on social media mocked her bright green couture look.
Ashok Saraf
Veteran actor Ashok Saraf brought Marathi culture to the global stage after appearing at the ongoing Cannes Film Festival alongside his wife, Nivedita Saraf. The actor attended the prestigious festival as part of a Marathi entertainment delegation representing Maharashtrian cinema and culture internationally.
The group also included actress Prajakta Mali, YouTuber Ankita Walawalkar, podcaster Jayanti Waghdhare and filmmaker Kedar Joshi, all of whom participated in events linked to the India Pavilion while promoting Marathi entertainment globally in traditional Maharashtrian outfits.
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Ashok Saraf, who is 78 years old, walked the red carpet in an elegant ivory bandhgala paired with classic black trousers. His understated and sophisticated look drew praise from fans online. Nivedita Saraf complemented him in a floral saree paired with a zari-work shawl that added a festive and regal touch to her appearance. Prajakta Mali and the other Marathi representatives also embraced traditional fashion while attending the international festival.
Fans across social media were left seeing veteran actor Ashok Saraf walking the red carpet and said that he deserved to be on the red carpet. Many even said that although international paps aren't aware much, Ashok Saraf on the red carpet is an honour for the country, and finally films are coming into light where actual celebs are on the red carpet.
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Who is Ashok Saraf?
Ashok Saraf is widely regarded as one of the most respected names in Marathi cinema, television and theatre, with a career spanning more than five decades across films, television and stage. Known for his effortless comic timing and emotional performances, he became a household name through iconic Marathi films such as Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi, Ek Daav Bhutacha, Dhum Dhadaka and Gammat Jammat. He also crossed over successfully into Hindi cinema with films including Karan Arjun, Yes Boss, Singham and Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya. On television, he became hugely popular through sitcoms like Hum Paanch.
Apart from films and television, Ashok Saraf has remained deeply connected to Marathi theatre and is regarded as one of the pillars of the industry. Over the years, he has received several honours, including multiple Maharashtra State Film Awards. In 2018, he was honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri for his contribution to Indian cinema and performing arts.
Sanam Saeed donned two looks
Pakistani actor Sanam Saeed made her Cannes debut in a custom Hussain Rehar ensemble. The actor walked the red carpet, paying tribute to legendary actor Shamim Ara, often referred to as The Tragic Beauty.
According to the official Instagram handle of designer Hussain Rehar, 50 artisans spent 2,354 hours creating the white peacock-inspired masterpiece. The outfit shimmered with Mukesh, Zardozi and mirror work, making it one of the most talked-about looks from Cannes.
Sanam Saeed clearly made sure her Cannes debut would be remembered. After turning heads in the dramatic white peacock-inspired look, the actor returned with another outfit deeply rooted in South Asian fashion but still completely red carpet-worthy.
On day 2, Sanam stepped out in a rich emerald-green saree designed by Hussain Rehar. Her saree featured intricate mukaish work that subtly sparkled every time the fabric moved.
Many trolled her, saying that it looked like she was attending a wedding, "Cannes ki shaadi" instead of a film festival. Honestly, the wedding comparison didn't even feel like criticism because many people loved the unapologetically desi energy of the look.
Many compared Sanam Saeed's Cannes saree moment to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's iconic Cannes appearance in a bright yellow saree by Neeta Lulla during the premiere of Devdas. That look had stood out in an era dominated almost entirely by Western gowns and over the years it became one of the most iconic South Asian fashion moments at Cannes.
While Aishwarya's saree leaned heavily into traditional silk, zari work and classic Bollywood grandeur, Sanam's version was modern meets contemporary and a sleeveless blouse; she was seen flaunting her arms.
Some social media users accused Sanam of trying to recreate Aishwarya's iconic Cannes moment.
Other celebs who grabbed headlines for their appearance were Rida and Bella Hadid, among others.
Take a look:
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The Cannes Film Festival began on May 12 and will wrap up on May 23, 2026. With every celeb donning five looks, the world is waiting for OG Cannes queen Aishwarya.
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