It’s one of the biggest dates of the film calendar, and this year’s Cannes Film Festival has come and gone for another year.
The prestigious event has seen the premieres of several buzzy titles soon to hit cinemas, from Ari Aster’s latest flick Eddington to Wes Anderson’s crime caper The Phonecian Scheme and Tom Cruise-starring Mission: Impossible 8.
But it hasn’t been without its drama, with Paul Mescal lashing out at ‘lazy and frustrating’ comparisons levied toward his new film The History of Sound, and Dakota Johnson slamming Hollywood studios’ comments about her female-led TV series pitch.
Cannes goes hand-in-hand with controversy every year, and 2025 is no different with several explosive moments of the festival making headlines.
From shocking festival changes to unexpected attendees, these are the controversial moments of this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
New red carpet rules
Arguably, the most talked-about controversy at this year’s Cannes Film Festival is the new red carpet rules that ban nudity and ‘voluminous ensembles.’
In a statement issued before the fest began, organisers said: ‘For decency reasons, nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as in any other area of the festival.’
They continue: ‘Voluminous outfits, in particular those with a large train, that hinder the proper flow of traffic of guests and complicate seating in the theatre are not permitted.
‘The festival welcoming teams will be obligated to prohibit red carpet access to anyone not respecting these rules.’
Sources told The Hollywood Reporter that the regulations were updated to reflect ‘certain rules that have long been in effect.’
They claimed the new guidance was implemented to comply with the festival’s rules and French law.
It has meant that the ordinarily wild looks we see on the red carpet have been few and far between, with some stars risking rule breaks with their ensembles.
Supermodel Leomie Anderson hit the red carpet in a sheer gown for the premiere of Highest 2 Lowest, and the cast of Mission: Impossible 8 broke a very different rule as they stopped to take a selfie.
Denzel Washington’s altercation with a photographer
Also on the Highest 2 Lowest red carpet, Denzel Washington made headlines following a fiery dispute with a photographer.
The 70-year-old actor was filmed pointing at the person in question and shouting ‘Stop it!’
Footage of the incident seems to reveal that Denzel was displeased with the photographer for tapping him on the arm as he walked the red carpet with co-star A$AP Rocky, 36.
The man smiled as Denzel made it clear that he would not accept the unwanted physical contact again.
Speaking to Metro about the incident, body language expert Judi James said: ‘When press photographers goad stars they’re probably better ignored but Denzel decided to engage, and the result is the beaming smile of excitement and delight on the photographer’s face as he triggers one of the most dramatic body language moments of the event.
‘Denzel’s own body language makes him look as though he’s just stepped out of one of his movies. His problem seems to come (understandably) when the other guy touches him on the arm as he’s chatting to a fellow celebrity. Touch is a very powerful form of communication and unwanted touch by a stranger is red flag behavior. Denzel goes over to scold the man, using a stabbing index finger to emphasize his point.’
Controversial comebacks
Ezra Miller and Shia LaBeouf both made controversial Cannes comebacks at this year’s festival.
The Flash star Ezra hit the red carpet after keeping a low profile over the last few years due to allegations made against the actor as well as being involved in various criminal activity.
They have been involved in a number of controversies, including a string of arrests and police separate charges of burglary, second-degree assault, harassment, and disorderly conduct.
This included the allegation that Miller had engaged in ‘inappropriate behaviour’ around a 12-year-old from the child’s parents – allegations which Miller has always refuted.
Transformers actor Shia was also present at Cannes for the premiere of documentary Slauson Rec, which focuses on the star’s experimental theatre company.
Like Ezra he has been involved in several controversies, including his former partner FKA Twigs requesting $10 million (£7.58 million) in damages from the actor amid an ongoing abuse and sexual battery lawsuit.
The pair dated for just under a year after meeting on the set of 2019 film Honey Boy.
Twigs, real name Tahliah Debrett Barnett, filed the lawsuit against her ex-boyfriend, citing ‘relentless abuse’ in December 2020.
Shia and his legal representation have denied ‘each and every allegation’.
Kevin Spacey receiving an award
Kevin Spacey also made a highly controversial appearance at Cannes Film Festival to receive an award.
The actor received a lifetime achievement award from the Better World Fund at a low-key event at the festival.
During his acceptance speech documented by Variety the House of Cards actor spoke out against ‘blacklist’ culture as he thanked Manuel Collas de la Roche, the founder of the fund that supports cinema.
‘I want to thank Manuel, founder of the Better World Fund. What a great name. That an organisation focused on doing good around the world is called a Better World. But they aren’t just doing good in name alone. And tonight demonstrates that they are even willing to take risks in doing better.
‘Since being here tonight is very personal to me, I would like to congratulate Manuel for the decision to invite me here tonight to accept this award.’
He added that it was surprising that inviting him would be considered ‘brave’ as he had been ‘exonerated’ of every crime he had been accused.
‘I mean, who would have ever thought that honouring someone who has been exonerated in every single courtroom he’s ever walked into would be thought of as a brave idea?’
The House of Cards actor, 65, was accused of sexual assault or inappropriate behaviour by more than 30 men in 2017.
His career stalled after the accusations arose. In 2022, he was found not liable in a civil lawsuit in New York and was cleared of nine charges of sexual assault in 2023 in a criminal case in London.
Disruption during Alpha screening
Julia Ducournau is no stranger to Cannes controversy with her previous two films, Raw and Titane, sparking mass walkouts and even causing people to faint.
Her latest film, Alpha, reportedly had people shouting from the gallery to stop the movie during its premiere.
Deadline reports that the shouting took place because someone was having a medical emergency.
However, the screening overcame the disruption, and Julia’s latest offering received a 12-minute standing ovation.
The mysterious film, with a narrative reflecting on the HIV/Aids crisis, focuses on 13-year-old Alpha (Mélissa Boros) whose world collapses when she returns home with a tattoo.
Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, Metro’s Tori Brazier dubbed the film ‘gruelling yet thought-provoking’ and a ‘really impactful film that has stayed with her.’
Robert De Niro calling out Donald Trump
Robert De Niro hit out at President Donald Trump during his speech at Cannes.
Receiving the Palme d’Or lifetime achievement award, he called Trump a ‘philistine president.’
‘In my country, we are fighting like hell for the democracy we once took for granted,’ he said (per CNN).
‘That affects all of us here, because the arts are democratic, art is inclusive and brings people together, like tonight. Art looks for truth. Art embraces diversity, and that’s why art is a threat.
‘That’s why we are a threat to autocrats and fascists. America’s philistine president has had himself appointed head of one of our premier cultural institutions (the Kennedy Center). He has cut funding and support to the arts, humanities and education.’
He also took aim at Trumps tariffs, saying: ‘You can’t put a price on creativity, but apparently you can put a tariff on it. Of course, this is unacceptable. All of these attacks are unacceptable.’
‘And this isn’t just an American problem, it’s a global one. Unlike a film, we can’t just all sit back and watch. We have to act, and we have to act now.’
The Taxi Driver and Goodfellas icon ended his speech by imploring people to stand up to Trump.
He continued: ‘It’s time for everyone who cares about liberty to organize, to protest, and when there are elections, of course, to vote. Vote.
‘Tonight, and for the next 11 days, we show our strength and commitment by celebrating art in this glorious festival. Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité.’
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