Unlike many other film festivals, Cannes is nonstop glamour, with more red carpets and photo calls packed into ten days than there are outfits to wear to them. Just kidding about the outfits part, of course! Celebrities often take bigger chances on their Cannes ensembles thanks to the artsy, over-the-top, joie de vivre atmosphere, which makes for lots of fabulous gowns with sparkles, volume, and sweeping trains. Hey, it’s southern France — the world capital of topless beaches and flowing Champagne — why not throw caution to the wind? Enjoy our red carpet roundup from the first day of Cannes, including appearances by Diane Kruger, Fan Bingbing, Lana Del Rey, Freida Pinto, Jessica Chastain, and many more.
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Diane Kruger Diane Kruger didn't want to go full GOOP, so she chose to wear a half-cape gown. Photo: VALERY HACHE/2012 AFP
Fan Bingbing You know it's Cannes when Fan Bingbing shows up in full red carpet regalia. She's so on top her game that she's already got the Chan... Fan Bingbing You know it's Cannes when Fan Bingbing shows up in full red carpet regalia. She's so on top her game that she's already got the Chanel Cruise hairdo minus the pastel color. So everyone take note: Fabergé egg gowns must be in for fall. Photo: Pascal Le Segretain/2012 Getty Images
Eva Longoria Eva Looks fabulous. Her dress is so sparkly and dramatic that it distracts you from thinking, "Is Eva Longoria even in any movi... Eva Longoria Eva Looks fabulous. Her dress is so sparkly and dramatic that it distracts you from thinking, "Is Eva Longoria even in any movies showing at Cannes?" and just makes you envious of how useful her fluffy train could be for impromptu naps. Photo: VALERY HACHE/2012 AFP
Virginie Ledoyen Oh look, it's her! She got to make out with Leonardo Dicaprio when he was tan and ripped in The Beach! (While we're on the ... Virginie Ledoyen Oh look, it's her! She got to make out with Leonardo Dicaprio when he was tan and ripped in The Beach! (While we're on the subject, so did Tilda Swinton, who's on this same red carpet.) Anyway, her dress is underwhelming, but she still looks pretty and it's nice to see her out and about. Photo: VALERY HACHE/2012 AFP
Freida Pinto The bodice is great — who doesn't like a pastel rainbow of sequins covering her boobs? But the bottom looks like she decided to... Freida Pinto The bodice is great — who doesn't like a pastel rainbow of sequins covering her boobs? But the bottom looks like she decided to belt the hotel bedsheet and call it a peplum skirt. At least she sleeps in satin. Photo: George Pimentel/2012 George Pimentel
Kara Hayward What's better than one scoop of lemon sorbet? Two scoops of lemon sorbet! Photo: Venturelli/2012 Venturelli
Eva Herzigova Eva's the only woman who went with sleeves, and she looks elegant and royal — like she climbed down from a throne somewhere, t... Eva Herzigova Eva's the only woman who went with sleeves, and she looks elegant and royal — like she climbed down from a throne somewhere, turned her crown upside down to wear as a necklace, and showed up at the party.
Photo: Venturelli/2012 Venturelli
Tilda Swinton Tilda looks like a Bobbi Brown bronzer compact, but in the best possible way. Photo: Venturelli/2012 Venturelli
Jessica Chastain Chastain's gown fits her perfectly, which is notable because that's not always the case. This silhouette shortens her a bit, but... Jessica Chastain Chastain's gown fits her perfectly, which is notable because that's not always the case. This silhouette shortens her a bit, but the skirt has pockets, which means she can store movie snacks, sunscreen, and even Bill Murray's tiny camera if necessary. Photo: Gareth Cattermole/2012 Getty Images
Phoebe Price Who knew there was a David's Bridal outlet in Cannes? Photo: George Pimentel/2012 George Pimentel
Lana Del Ray The scalloped neckline is pretty, but we're not quite sure how we feel about the baggy skirt and the tulle spurting out of her left ... Lana Del Ray The scalloped neckline is pretty, but we're not quite sure how we feel about the baggy skirt and the tulle spurting out of her left hip.
Photo: Gareth Cattermole/2012 Getty Images
Jane Fonda Jane Fonda is 74 years old, and looks better than half the people on this red carpet. And look at that smile — she knows it. Phot...Jane Fonda Jane Fonda is 74 years old, and looks better than half the people on this red carpet. And look at that smile — she knows it. Photo: George Pimentel/2012 George Pimentel
Jean Paul Gaultier and Hiam Abbass After we noticed that Gaultier was wearing a maxi skirt, we couldn't concentrate on what shapes we saw in Hiam... Jean Paul Gaultier and Hiam Abbass After we noticed that Gaultier was wearing a maxi skirt, we couldn't concentrate on what shapes we saw in Hiam's inkblot gown. Photo: Venturelli/2012 Venturelli
Diane Kruger, again Few people can get away with the lace-up bib dress look. Even though it looks like she strapped on the ready-to-wear version ... Diane Kruger, again Few people can get away with the lace-up bib dress look. Even though it looks like she strapped on the ready-to-wear version of Brad Pitt's outfit in Troy, Diane somehow manages to make it look good. Photo: ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/2012 AFP
Bill Murray Plaid-on-plaid and the world's tiniest camera. We're confused too, Bill; this isn't Nantucket, is it? Photo: ALBERTO PIZZOLI/2012 AFP
Bruce Willis "You're seeing how ridiculous Bill Murray looks too, right? Well I also have a camera, and I'm Instagramming his outfit right n... Bruce Willis "You're seeing how ridiculous Bill Murray looks too, right? Well I also have a camera, and I'm Instagramming his outfit right now." Photo: ALBERTO PIZZOLI/2012 AFP
Tilda Swinton "Look at this mess, sigh. Why can't everyone just look fantastically dignified all the time, like I do?"
Photo: ALBERTO...Tilda Swinton "Look at this mess, sigh. Why can't everyone just look fantastically dignified all the time, like I do?"
Photo: ALBERTO PIZZOLI/2012 AFP
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