When some of the world’s biggest names gather en masse in one location, things are bound to get weird and wonderful. Case in point: The Cannes Film Festival. This iconic French Riviera event never fails to deliver memorable red carpet moments, from jaw-dropping outfits to kooky celebrity encounters.
It’s only just into its second week, but this year’s festival has already fed us with everything from rule-breaking stars to a bee that insisted on being the main character. Read on to see the Cannes 2025 moments that have had the world talking.
Denzel Washington vs Photographer
Things got a little heated between Denzel Washington and a photographer during the premiere of Highest 2 Lowest on May 19. While chatting with director Spike Lee, a photographer grabbed Washington’s suit jacket sleeve, seemingly trying to get his attention. Video footage shows Washington turning to confront the photographer directly, pointing in his face while the man laughed and continued to grab his arm. The incident quickly became a hot topic, showcasing the sometimes chaotic nature of red carpet events.
The Twilight x Hunger Games Collab Nobody Saw Coming
Cannes has delivered a huge moment for lovers of 2000s young adult novels and their big-screen adaptations. Die, My Love, one of the festival’s selected films, unites the leads of two beloved franchises: Jennifer Lawrence from The Hunger Games and Robert Pattinson from Twilight. The duo has delighted fans with numerous appearances throughout the festival, starting with a glamorous red carpet outing on May 17. In a charming moment, Pattinson even helped Lawrence with a minor wardrobe malfunction, fixing her gown after realizing she was standing on the fabric. May the odds be ever in their favor!
Rihanna’s Glorious Return
All eyes were on Rihanna and A$AP Rocky as they hit the red carpet. After an eight-year absence, Rihanna made a stunning return to Cannes, attending the Highest 2 Lowest premiere while pregnant with her third child. The couple arrived under an umbrella—a playful nod to Rihanna’s hit song of the same name—while the music icon dazzled in a gorgeous shade of blue. This appearance came just days after they confirmed their baby news at the Met Gala, adding to the excitement surrounding their return.
The Bird…
Wanna know the easiest way to cut down on one’s Cannes hair and makeup routine? Cover your entire head in a terrifyingly realistic bird mask. Ahead of the premiere of Die, My Love, a man hit the red carpet dressed as a condor, complete with a beak and feathers. This wild look was a tie-in with the documentary I Love Peru, proving that Cannes is a place where creativity knows no bounds.
…and the Bee
As a two-time Oscar winner, you’d think Emma Stone would be immune from having her red carpet spotlight stolen. However, during the premiere of Eddington on May 16, a bee made a beeline for her, creating a moment of chaos. Stone was caught between co-stars Austin Butler and Pedro Pascal as the insect buzzed around her. Butler attempted to blow it away, while Pascal used his hand to redirect it, restoring calm to the situation. This unexpected encounter added a humorous twist to the glamorous event.
The Red Carpet Rebels
Cannes tried its best to enforce a dress code aimed at reducing ‘naked’ dresses and crazy-long trains this year. The festival’s website was updated to reflect a "no nudity" stipulation for "decency reasons." However, this didn’t stop stars like Heidi Klum from disregarding the rules. Klum made headlines on the very first day of the festival with a voluminous outfit that featured a large train, which hindered the flow of traffic. Other rebels included Bella Hadid, Evelyn Ellis, and Dakota Fanning, who also pushed the boundaries of the dress code.
Only time will tell what other wacky sights await us as the Cannes Film Festival rolls on this week. The blend of glamour, chaos, and unexpected moments continues to make this event a highlight in the entertainment calendar.
