Cannes 2024: What Is Red Carpet Shoe Rule? Celebs Who Dared To Go Barefoot

For years, the Cannes Film Festival has faced scrutiny over an unspoken rule requiring women to wear high heels on the red carpet. As per Vogue magazine, while the festival director Thierry Fremaux has called this a baseless rumour, several incidents have suggested otherwise.

What Is The Cannes Red Carpet Heel Rule?

In 2015, a group of women in their fifties was reportedly turned away from the premiere of ‘Carol’ for not wearing "tall enough" shoes. That same year, Asif Kapadia's wife was initially barred from his "Amy" premiere due to her lack of heels, though she was eventually allowed in.

Following the controversy, several celebrities have taken a stand against the so-called rule by ditching their heels on the Cannes red carpet. Here's a list of actors who defied the no heel rule.

Julia Roberts Goes Barefoot

In 2016, Julia Roberts removed her heels as she ascended the staircase at the Palais des Festivals for the screening of her movie ‘Money Monster.’

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart has defied tradition multiple times at Cannes. She went barefoot following a photocall for ‘Café Society’ in 2016 and removed her Christian Louboutins while posing for photos at the ‘BlacKkKlansman’ premiere in 2018, stating, "If you're not asking guys to wear heels and a dress, then you can't ask me either."

Cannes Film Festival Heels Only Policy

The heels-only policy for women appeared to be in effect at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival when Variety's editor-in-chief Claudia Eller was briefly stopped by security officials for not wearing high heels. However, in 2022, Canadian filmmaker Kelvin Redvers was initially turned away for wearing traditional moccasins, sparking further discussions around cultural representation on the red carpet.

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Jennifer Lawrence

As per Vogue, at last year's Cannes Film Festival, Jennifer Lawrence attended the ‘Anatomy of a Fall’ premiere in a red Dior gown paired with flip-flops.

The debate over mandatory heels on the Cannes carpet has become a contested issue, despite a long history of women wearing flats and looking elegant. In 2011, Uma Thurman and Inès dae La Fressange graced the festival in flat sandals, while Susan Sarandon attended the 2016 premiere of ‘Cafe Society’ in a suit and pointy-toed flats.

More recently, Cate Blanchett presented an award barefoot in 2018, and Isabelle Huppert wore shoes moulded as bare feet on the red carpet in 2023.

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