The 78th Cannes Film Festival opened with an unforgettable red carpet filled with Hollywood’s biggest names, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Bella Hadid, Irina Shayk, and more. The evening’s highlight was a tribute to Robert De Niro, who received the prestigious Golden Palm for his career. Amidst the fashion drama and star power, Cannes 2025 is already shaping up to be a showstopper. Discover the stunning outfits, exclusive moments, and exciting events that kicked off the festival!

Leonardo DiCaprio, Bella Hadid, Sean Baker Set the Red Carpet on Fire at the Cannes Film Festival Opening

The 78th Cannes Film Festival kicked off with a dazzling display of glamour and star power, as some of Hollywood’s biggest names walked the red carpet in style. The likes of Irina Shayk, Heidi Klum, Leonardo DiCaprio, Bella Hadid, Robert De Niro, Sean Baker, and Quentin Tarantino made their stunning entrances, drawing the attention of photographers and fans alike.

Hong Sang Soo, Halle Berry, Jeremy Strong, Juliette Binoche, Alba Rohrwacher, Dieudo Hamadi, Payal Kapadia, Leila Slimani and Carlos Reygadas (From left to right)

A Star-Studded Evening

The evening began with the announcement of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival jury members, which included celebrated figures such as Hong Sang Soo, Halle Berry, Jeremy Strong, and Juliette Binoche, among others. As the lights flashed and cameras clicked, the stars put their best fashion foot forward, embracing the festival’s tradition of high-end style.

This year’s festival has introduced a new dress code, banning revealing outfits and oversized dresses, especially those with long trains that obstruct movement. Celebrities, therefore, opted for more elegant and minimalist designs that complemented the occasion.

Fashion Statements on the Red Carpet

One of the standout moments of the evening came from German model Heidi Klum, who broke the new fashion rule with a bold move. Known for her fearless approach to fashion, Klum wore a stunning pink strapless dress that resembled a blooming flower. The gown featured layered fabric that expanded like petals, creating a dramatic effect on the red carpet.

As the event continued, several other stars graced the red carpet. Leonardo DiCaprio, Bella Hadid, and Irina Shayk were among those who stole the spotlight with their impeccable looks. In addition to the guests, the festival also saw a momentous occasion as Robert De Niro was honored with the prestigious Golden Palm for his lifetime contributions to cinema.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Bella Hadid

Irina Shayk

Cannes 2025 Jury Members and Their Roles

The prestigious jury for the 2025 Cannes Film Festival includes a wide range of talents, including actress Halle Berry and director Carlos Reygadas, tasked with selecting this year’s winners. The jury also features prominent figures from the world of film, such as Payal Kapadia and Leila Slimani, each bringing a unique perspective to the judging process.

The festival’s opening film, Partir Un Jour by first-time director Amélie Bonnin, broke tradition by being the first debut film to open the festival. The film, a bittersweet comedy-drama, tells the story of a woman who plans to open her dream restaurant only to be forced to return to her hometown due to a family crisis. The film’s premiere outside of competition added to the excitement and anticipation of the evening.

During the opening night, Robert De Niro was presented with the honorary Palme d’Or by his longtime friend and colleague, Leonardo DiCaprio. The ceremony was a fitting tribute to De Niro’s remarkable career, which has spanned decades and produced some of the most iconic films in cinema history.

Leonardo DiCaprio looked dashing in a sleek black tuxedo from the Celine Homme brand. He was honored to take the stage to present the Honorary Palme d’Or to his longtime co-star, Robert De Niro.

The Cannes Film Festival also featured a special screening of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, the eighth installment of the action-packed series starring Tom Cruise. The film, which has been a major box office hit, added further glamour to the opening night, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.

The evening was a fashion parade, with stars like Julia Garner, who wore a custom Gucci gown, and Halle Berry, who donned a classic 1950s-inspired look by Jacquemus. Even though Berry had to quickly change her outfit due to the new dress code, her classic beauty and poise shone through.

Julia Garner

Halle Berry

Director Sean Baker and actress Samantha Quan, who won the Palme d’Or last year for Anora, also made a grand return to the Cannes red carpet. Anora was a major winner at the Oscars earlier this year, and Baker’s career continues to soar. The recognition of independent filmmakers at Cannes remains a central theme, as the festival highlights films that challenge conventions and push boundaries.

As Cannes 2025 continues until May 24, 22 films will compete for the coveted Palme d’Or, with veteran directors and young talents alike in the mix. The festival’s focus on diverse, thought-provoking cinema promises to showcase some of the best films from around the world.

Fashion Highlights and Memorable Moments

On the red carpet, supermodel Bella Hadid turned heads with her stunning earrings from Chopard’s Red Carpet Collection. These 18K white gold earrings, set with emeralds and diamonds, added an extra layer of elegance to the event. Meanwhile, Leonardo DiCaprio looked dashing in a black tuxedo from Celine Homme as he presented the honorary Palme d’Or to Robert De Niro.

Other notable appearances included Quentin Tarantino and his wife Daniella Pick, who stole the spotlight with their chemistry and elegance on the red carpet. The legendary director also participated in a special talk about Western film director George Sherman as part of the Cannes Classics program.

Looking Ahead: Cannes 2025

With the festival now in full swing, the excitement continues to build. From glamorous red carpet moments to discussions about groundbreaking cinema, the Cannes Film Festival is shaping up to be one of the most memorable editions yet. Stay tuned for more highlights, including more stunning fashion, celebrity moments, and award announcements.

The Cannes Film Festival 2025 has truly started with a bang, and the world is watching.