From Gown Censorship To Politics: Why Many Are Skipping Cannes This Year

This year, the Cannes Film Festival isn’t just screening cinema and fashion, it’s setting a new scene entirely. And it begins at the red carpet, where for the first time, organizers have introduced a dress code that’s got people talking almost as much as the films themselves.

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This year, the Cannes Film Festival has officially decided: less is more and drama is out. In a surprise move, the red carpet has been hit with a no-nonsense dress code banning all things bold and billowy. That means no nudity, no sheer fabrics, no voluminous gowns, no stair-sweeping trains and yes, even oversized purses are on the chopping block.

“For decency reasons, nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as in any other area of the festival,” organizers announced on Sunday. “Voluminous outfits, particularly those with large trains that disrupt guest flow or complicate theater seating, are also a no-go.”

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That alone may be enough to make some South Asian stars skip the stairs this year. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s headline-making tinsel-blue Falguni Shane Peacock cape dress? Banned. Deepika Padukone’s pistachio Giambattista Valli gown or her supersized Dundas bow? Also on the chopping block. And let’s not forget the fan-favorite designer Nancy Tyagi, whose Cinderella-worthy self-made pink gown went viral in 2024—probably not Cannes-approved anymore.

But the drama isn’t just about dress codes.

Politics at Play: Why Alia and Others Are Sitting This One Out

Beyond the fabric and flair, geopolitical tensions appear to be influencing the guest list. Actor and L’Oréal ambassador Alia Bhatt was expected to make her official debut at Cannes 2025 as part of the beauty brand’s lineup of global spokeswomen. However, in light of rising conflict and domestic instability between India and Pakistan, Bhatt’s team announced she would not be attending for now. The move is seen as a conscious act of sensitivity, and potentially, solidarity.

While her team hasn’t ruled out a later appearance should the situation improve, the statement has already sparked speculation on how international events are increasingly becoming stages for soft diplomacy or silence.

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Meanwhile, entrepreneur Diipa Khosla, another Cannes regular, is also absent from this year’s red carpet. Though no political reasoning has been cited in her case, she shared on Instagram that choosing not to attend felt like “the healthiest choice” for her right now. Her absence adds to the growing list of notable South Asian figures who’ve decided to skip the festival.

And then there’s Uorfi Javed, whose reason was less political and more procedural her Cannes debut was cut short by a visa rejection. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she shared how heartbroken she was to miss out, despite being invited to one of the most significant events of her career.

So, What’s Really Happening?

The absence of major South Asians from the Cannes red carpet this year reveals more than just missed photo ops it signals a shift. The interplay of political context, tightening dress codes, and growing global scrutiny on public figures is changing the rules of engagement.

When platforms like Cannes evolve from catwalks to cultural battlegrounds, fashion, identity and ideology begin to blur. Who gets to show up, what they wear, and why they stay home says as much about the world as the films we’re watching.

Because let’s be honest - at Cannes, even the absences speak volumes.