Published: 10:17, May 14, 2025 | Updated: 11:14, May 14, 2025
New Cannes dress code forces Halle Berry to switch outfits
By Reuters
US actress and member of the jury of the 78th cannes film festival Halle Berry arrives on stage during the Opening Ceremony and the screening of the film "Partir un Jour" (Bye Bye) presented out of competition at the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France, on May 13, 2025. (PHOTO / AFP)

CANNES, France - Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry was caught off-guard by the Cannes Film Festival's updated dress code and had to switch her outfit choice last minute, she told journalists on Tuesday. Under the rules, nudity is not allowed on the red carpet, and "voluminous outfits, in particular those with a large train," that block the way for other guests and complicate theater seating are also no longer permitted.

Organizers said they could deny red carpet access to those who do not respect the rules. "I had an amazing dress by Gupta to wear tonight, and I cannot wear it because the train's too big," Berry, who is a festival jury member this year, said at a news conference.

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"I had to make a pivot. But the nudity part I do think is probably also a good rule," added the US star who won an Oscar for the 2001 film Monster's Ball."

Heidi Klum poses for photographers during the opening ceremony of the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, May 13, 2025. (PHOTO / AP)

In recent years, guests and celebrities on the red carpet have been pushing the limits of the festival's dress code with giant trains, sheer dresses and nipple-baring outfits. Kanye West and his wife, Bianca Censori, caused a stir at the Grammy Awards red carpet in February when Censori dropped an oversized coat to reveal a sheer dress with nothing underneath.

In addition, the code now explicitly allows for elegant shoes without a heel on the red carpet, a move welcomed by jury president Juliette Binoche.

"On the heel side, I think it's a very good idea, by experience," said the French film star on Tuesday.

Daniella Pick (left) and Quentin Tarantino pose for photographers during the opening ceremony of the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, May 13, 2025. (PHOTO / AP)
Wan QianHui poses for photographers during the opening ceremony red carpet of the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, May 13, 2025. (PHOTO / AP) 
Alessandra Ambrosio poses for photographers during the opening ceremony of the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, May 13, 2025. (PHOTO / AP)
Urvashi Rautela poses for photographers during the opening ceremony of the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, May 13, 2025. (PHOTO / AP) 
Eva Longoria poses for photographers during the opening ceremony of the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, May 13, 2025. (PHOTO / AP)
Lady Victoria Hervey poses for photographers during the opening ceremony of the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, May 13, 2025. (PHOTO / AP)
Farhana Bodi poses for photographers during the opening ceremony of the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, May 13, 2025. (PHOTO / AP)