For millions of people around the world, the Cannes Film Festival red carpet appears to be an endless parade of movie stars, supermodels, and celebrities. Yet behind the glamour lies one of the most carefully orchestrated events in the entertainment industry. Over the course of 12 days, Cannes hosts around 1 000 screenings and events, including Official Selection films, Special Screenings, Cannes Première, Directors’ Fortnight, Critics’ Week, and the world-renowned Marché du Film.
Stepping onto the festival’s famous red carpet is difficult but not impossible. Most guests gain access through official accreditation or exclusive invitations. Priority is given to filmmakers, actors, producers, industry professionals, international media, and festival partners. However, accreditation alone does not guarantee access to a premiere or a walk up the iconic staircase. Invitations are distributed separately and depend largely on a guest’s status and affiliations.
For those dreaming of ascending the famous steps and posing for photographers, accreditation remains the most realistic route. This can be obtained through a production company, media outlet, film organization, or cinema club. Another option is to receive an invitation from a festival partner, such as a luxury jewellery house, fashion brand, or film sponsor, and then reserve seats through the festival’s official Online Ticket Office.
For movie enthusiasts, the Cannes Cinephiles program offers a unique opportunity to experience the festival without professional accreditation. Designed for film lovers, film students, and members of cinema clubs, the initiative provides access to selected screenings throughout the festival. In some cases, unused seats are released online shortly before screenings begin.
The Red Carpet
Despite its glamorous appearance, the red carpet operates with the precision of a high-security operation. Every guest undergoes multiple security checks, while access to festival areas is controlled through personalized invitations and accreditation badges.
Large sections of the Croisette are closed to regular traffic, and only accredited vehicles are allowed near the Palais des Festivals. Visitors planning to arrive by car are advised to arrange parking in advance and familiarize themselves with designated access points.
To ensure both security and punctuality, movement on the staircase is carefully managed by festival staff and security teams. Guests are encouraged not to linger on the steps, and taking selfies on the red carpet is officially discouraged.
If you are fortunate enough to attend a premiere, arranging a professional photographer is highly recommended. While many accredited photographers offer private services, official red-carpet images can also be found through agencies such as Getty Images, WireImage, Shutterstock Editorial, and BestImage.
How Stars Prepare for Their Big Moment
Although preparations can take weeks, the walk up the Palais des Festivals’ famous 24 steps typically lasts only a few minutes. Behind every appearance stands an entire team of stylists, makeup artists, hairstylists, personal assistants, and luxury jewellery houses.
Traditionally, many high-profile guests begin their red-carpet journey at the legendary Hôtel Martinez, located just minutes from the Palais. Much like the festival itself, the hotel entrance and grand staircase become a stage for photographers and media throughout the event.
Cannes has become as important for fashion as it is for cinema. Luxury jewellery brands bring one-of-a-kind creations worth millions of euros, while dedicated security teams and insurance specialists oversee their protection. Some jewellery houses even assign personal security guards to accompany their pieces until the very moment a celebrity steps onto the red carpet.
Behind the Scenes of Cannes
Despite the evening glamour, festival life begins as early as 8:30 a.m. with press screenings. The day continues with photocalls, press conferences, business meetings, interviews, and premieres that often extend well past midnight.
The festival is also known for its strict dress code. Black tie remains mandatory for evening premieres, while organizers have recently introduced additional restrictions on overly revealing outfits and excessively voluminous gowns with long trains that may obstruct guest movement.
Away from the red carpet, celebrities often cross paths in a far more relaxed atmosphere—in cafés inside the Palais des Festivals, on partner lounge terraces, in designated smoking areas, or at exclusive private parties. These hidden corners of Cannes often provide rare moments where acclaimed actors, directors, and producers can be seen without the usual entourage of photographers, publicists, and security teams.
