The 79th Cannes Film Festival unfolded as a continuous stream of unforgettable moments – from dazzling star appearances to spontaneous emotions that instantly went viral on the red carpet. This year, Cannes once again affirmed its status as the premier stage for pop culture and global glamour. We’ve compiled 11 of the most striking highlights that defined the festival’s atmosphere.
Peter Jackson Honored with an Honorary Palme d’Or
Peter Jackson Receives the Honorary Palme d’Or from Elijah Wood
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On the opening day of the festival, director Peter Jackson, the visionary behind “The Lord of the Rings,” was presented with an honorary Palme d’Or by Elijah Wood, forever etched in audiences’ minds as Frodo from the iconic trilogy. For the New Zealand filmmaker, this marked a significant milestone in his career.
Bella Hadid’s Striking Appearances
Bella Hadid
Bella Hadid
Bella Hadid undoubtedly emerged as one of the most talked-about figures at the Cannes Film Festival. Recognizing the red carpet’s power as a media showcase, she graced numerous festival events and private gatherings, including those at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc. Her most discussed ensemble of 2026 was a custom Schiaparelli gown, inspired by Jane Birkin’s iconic 1969 look.
The Grand Return of Penélope Cruz and Monica Bellucci
Penélope Cruz
Monica Bellucci
After a seven-year hiatus, Penélope Cruz and Monica Bellucci returned to the Cannes Film Festival, each presenting a new film in the competition program: “Black Ball,” a project featuring Cruz, directed by Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrosí, and Bellucci showcased “Stories of Night” by director Léa Mysius, an adaptation of Laurent Mauvignier’s novel.
A Pregnancy Announcement Steals the Red Carpet Spotlight
Barbara Palvin and Dylan Sprouse Expecting Their First Child
As Barbara Palvin and Dylan Sprouse made their way to the Palais des Festivals, they captured the attention of all photographers. The model appeared in a delicate Miu Miu blue dress, revealing her pregnancy for the first time. The couple is awaiting their first child.
A Football Jersey for Annie Ernaux
Annie Ernaux
During a photo call, French writer Annie Ernaux received a football jersey bearing her name and the number 10 – a symbolic gesture that immediately drew public attention.
Theodora and Oklou Perform an Iconic Beatles Song
Theodora and Oklou
At the opening ceremony, French singers Theodora and Oklou presented a melancholic rendition of The Beatles’ song “Get Back” as a tribute to Peter Jackson’s documentary project.
Laetitia Casta and Louis Garrel’s Dance Moment
Laetitia Casta and Louis Garrel
During the premiere of the film “Karmal,” Laetitia Casta and Louis Garrel unexpectedly broke into a dance on the red carpet, a moment that became one of the most discussed scenes of the evening.
A Powerful Friendship Displayed
Adèle Exarchopoulos
Adèle Exarchopoulos, returning to Cannes as the lead in Jeanne Herry’s new film “Garance,” appeared at Nice Airport wearing a t-shirt referencing Léa Seydoux, with whom she starred in “Blue is the Warmest Colour” (2013). Days later, Seydoux reciprocated the gesture with a t-shirt featuring Exarchopoulos’s face. A display of friendship that instantly became viral.
Celebrating 25 Years of “The Fast and the Furious”
![25th anniversary of "The Fast and the Furious"10](/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/726b2aea0767d27f13a0f64026c237b0.jpg "25th anniversary of "The Fast and the Furious"")
25 Years of “The Fast and the Furious”
“The Fast and the Furious” franchise marked its 25th anniversary within Cannes Classics. Vin Diesel, Jordana Brewster, producer Neal H. Moritz, and Meadow Walker, the daughter of the late Paul Walker, were present at a special screening.
Red Carpet Family Moments
John Travolta with his Daughter Ella Bleu
Recently, celebrities have increasingly been appearing on red carpets with their family members. This includes Bella Hadid, who walked the Croisette with her brother, and John Travolta, accompanied by his daughter Ella Bleu Travolta.
A Kiss Between Virginie Efira and Niels Schneider
The Kiss Between Virginie Efira and Niels Schneider
One of the most discussed moments of the festival was the kiss between Virginie Efira and Niels Schneider during the premiere of the film “The Unknown.” This spontaneous gesture of tenderness quickly went viral and spread across social media.
Based on materials from vogue.fr.