The Cannes Film Festival 2025 is making headlines, but not just for films. Influencers are everywhere on the red carpet, sparking debates. Some say they don’t belong at a film festival, while others argue they bring new energy.
This year, Indian influencers like Nancy Tyagi, Shalini Passi, and Masoom Minawala walked the red carpet in stunning outfits. They represented brands like L’Oréal and Chopard. But many wonder why they are there if they have no connection to cinema.
Reports say some influencers paid between Rs. 8 lakhs to Rs. 12 lakhs for VIP access. Others were sponsored by brands. Brut India, an official media partner, also invited influencers as part of their “Brut India Squad.” This has led to mixed reactions online.
“Cannes is a film festival, and you guys are so-called ‘influencers’—so how has it become a dream for you? Are you showcasing something or part of a movie?” wrote one Reddit user. Another added, “They can’t even speak one sentence properly. Nobody is polished enough. Cannes has fallen and how.”
Actress Pallavi Joshi, who attended Cannes for her film Tanvi The Great, shared her thoughts. “I don’t mind influencers coming on the same pedestal as actors, but when it comes to film festivals, it is a place where films are celebrated,” she said. “If you’re not here for the love of cinema, there’s no point in standing on the red carpet.”
Meanwhile, Cannes introduced new dress code rules banning nudity and oversized outfits. Halle Berry had to change her dress last minute because the train was too big. Bella Hadid, known for bold looks, may also have to tone it down.
TikTok became an official sponsor this year, bringing more influencer content. The platform created a special #Cannes2025 hub with behind-the-scenes clips. Over 22,000 videos were posted last year under the festival’s hashtag.
Film critics and veterans are unhappy. Jacques, a French critic covering Cannes since 1987, said, “I overheard a conversation between two attendees who bought invitations for 20 lakh rupees each. Neither could name a single director in competition.”
Despite the debates, Cannes remains a mix of cinema and glamour. The festival still showcases great films, but influencers are now a big part of the buzz. Whether this is good or bad depends on who you ask.
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