‘I’ve been on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet - here’s what it’s like’
As the second week of Cannes Film Festival kicks off, we take a look inside the iconic red carpet stars such as Jennifer Lawrence and Pedro Pascal walk down, and the less glam side of it.
Cannes Film Festival: Preperations underway ahead of A-list premiere
The Cannes Film Festival red carpet may look like a glamour-fest, but after experiencing the bustle of the busy area, it’s not always so luxurious.
When it comes to the famous red carpet in Cannes, there are some very strict rules in place, including a ‘no pictures’ policy - ruling out that perfect shot if you’re not chosen by the herd of professional photographers.
Many do get around this rule by sneakily taking a selfie, but you’ll need to be quick so the quick acting security don’t catch you.
While it does feel very chic walking up Palais De Festival’s iconic red steps, it’s unlikely you’ll find yourself posing alongside Eva Longoria or Bella Hadid, with the celebs having priority on the carpet and then taking a reserved seat near the front of the theatre inside.
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With the festival sponsored by BMW, there are plenty of the brand’s chic blacked out vehicles on standby to pick stars such as Tom Cruise up and drop them off right outside the carpet entrance. But for everyone else, it’s not such a smooth process.
Having a ticket is one thing, but finally getting on the carpet is another, with lengthy lines forming before the beginning of each premiere. If you’re hoping to attend a big premiere such as Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning or tonight’s Eddington - which features several Hollywood stars - getting a ticket is near impossible.
If you’re dedicated, refreshing the official Cannes ticketing system every 15 minutes in the 24 hour lead up to a premiere might serve you well. But if that doesn’t work, you can try your luck in the ‘last minute line’, where spare seats are given out on a first come, first served basis.
And when I say first come, this often means hopeful attendees arriving to the line up to ten hours before the premiere begins.
I’d say to wear something comfortable if you’re going to be sitting all of that time, but the red carpets strict black tie dress code means you’ll need to be in your full glam for the whole wait.
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Some even try their luck outside of the theatre by spending the day holding up signs requesting unneeded tickets, but I can’t say I saw a successful transaction take place on that front.
While the sea of suited photographers may not be screaming your name on the carpet, it’ll still be a fun experience either way, and one you won’t forget quickly.
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