Every Must-See Outfit From the 2025 Cannes Film Festival Red Carpet

From Denzel Washington to A$AP Rocky, these celebs understood the assignment.

CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 19: Denzel Washington and A$AP Rocky attend the “Highest 2 Lowest” red carpet at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 19, 2025 in Cannes, France. Photo: Getty Images Monica Schipper

The red carpet at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival was on fire with elevated looks from our favorites stars. Our Black celebs didn’t just show up — they showed out, serving amazing looks that were as radiant and timeless as the films they came to celebrate. Here were some of our top picks.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Shannon Sharpe Faces $50M Lawsuit Amid Chilling Abuse Accusations And Leaked Messages

Classic Sophistication

Photo: Getty Images Tristan Fewings Photo: Getty Images Tristan Fewings

Halle Berry, who is also a festival jury member, looked absolutely divine wearing a Chanel couture pantsuit as she graces the 2025 Cannes Film Festival red carpet. We can not get enough of the classic sophistication that she is serving us at the event. Her outfit selection is such a wonderful save from her Met Gala appearance.

Draped In Designer

Photo: Getty Images Tristan Fewings Photo: Getty Images Tristan Fewings

“All we see is signs, all we see are dollar signs” is the perfect way to describe power couple A$AP Rocky and Rihanna on the red carpet. The glowing mother was on the red carpet wearing a vibrant turquoise Alaïa gown while showing off her growing baby bump.

A Simple, Yet Classic Look

Photo: Getty Images Pascal Le Segretain Photo: Getty Images Pascal Le Segretain

Denzel Washington can’t do wrong in our eyes. He walked the red carpet in a simple black suit with a pair of clean white casual shoes.

Pretty In Mesh

Photo: Getty Images Andreas Rentz Photo: Getty Images Andreas Rentz

Model Chanel Iman looked absolutely gorgeous in her black mesh dress that has us looking to get serious about our workout plans. The mother of three has never failed us on when it comes to risky yet gorgeous gowns.

The Catwalk Has A New Meaning

Photo: Getty Images Pascal Le Segretain Photo: Getty Images Pascal Le Segretain

Southern Sudanese model Mitchell Akat Maruko Raan shut the red carpet down with a full body, leopard print sequin designed by Harvey Ceneit. Her bold, head-turning look exuded confidence as she made her entrance.

The Polka Dot Dress Gives Romantic Parisian

Photo: Getty Images Pascal Le Segretain Photo: Getty Images Pascal Le Segretain

The former “She Gotta Have It” actress Ilfenesh Hadera made her appearance at the “Highest 2 Lowest” red carpet event wearing a beautiful, elegant polka dots dress topped with a bold red lip. The understated look exuded timeless Parisian fashion.

From New York to Paris, With Love

Photo: Getty Images Tristan Fewings Photo: Getty Images Tristan Fewings

In true Spike Lee fashion, the legendary film maker made a unforgettable statement at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival by wearing a custom zoot suit with vibrant orange and blue stripes — a salute to his hometown team, the New York Knicks. The Knicks will play the Indiana Pacers in their first NBA Eastern Conference Finals since 2000.

Main Character Energy

Photo: Getty Images Pascal Le Segretain Photo: Getty Images Pascal Le Segretain

Actor and model Alton Mason never misses a moment to give us a look as he arrives in a classic tuxedo, giving a relaxed look with the open collar and a stunning brooch to set off the classic appearance.

The Tuxedo With a Modern, Feminine Twist

Photo: Getty Images Pascal Le Segretain Photo: Getty Images Pascal Le Segretain

Aïssa Maïga put a modern spin to her phenomenal tuxedo suit. The French actress and director appeared in an impressive collared neck exposing her chest with a tailored waist jacket, wide leg tapered pants, and silver platform heels to elevate the look. The accessorized clutch brought the entire look together flawlessly.

Quintessential Sophistication At Its Finest

Photo: Getty Images Pascal Le Segretain Photo: Getty Images Pascal Le Segretain

We can not get over the level of sophistication that Yseult brought to the red carpet. In a head turning arrival, the French singer and songwriter wore a structured black jeweled bodice with a beautiful, white floor length skirt with a cape to compliment the attire. Pairing it with elegant black gloves topped with embezzled bangles for each wrist. The look was ::chef’s kiss::

Sleek, Yet Statement-Making Suit

Photo: Getty Images Tristan Fewings Photo: Getty Images Tristan Fewings

Actor Theo Christine arrived on the carpet looking cleaner than a bill of health wearing a white tuxedo jacket, black bow tie and black tuxedo pants that complimented the classic Parisian vibes. We just love a man who can wear a suit.

European Class

Photo: Getty Images Andreas Rentz Photo: Getty Images Andreas Rentz

Actor Akinola Davies played it safe by opting for a classic, tailored look that aligns with the ongoing theme of confidence and sophistication among the other Black celebrities that appeared at the festival.

Black Sequins Always Brings Class To The Carpet

Photo: Getty Images Pascal Le Segretain Photo: Getty Images Pascal Le Segretain

Naomi Ackie arrived in an elegant sequin dress that draped her body perfectly. The beautiful actress was a real knockout as she served an even balance of drama and class while highlighting fashionable style.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

All the Ways MLK's Legacy Is Being Misused

All the Ways MLK’s Legacy Is Being Misused

Dr. King shouldered immense pressure for the sake of achieving positive change. However, today, his name is frequently and conveniently invoked to lend credibility to figures and movements that directly contradict the very principles he risked his life to uphold …
Photo: Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, YouTube

A Peek Inside Mary J. Blige’s Beautiful Jersey Mansion That Nobody Wanted

The R&B legend’s $12.3 million New Jersey home got its “SOLD” sign after eight years on the market …
Iyanla Vanzant's Decision Not To Attend Her Daughter's Funeral

Iyanla Vanzant’s Decision Not To Attend Her Daughter’s Funeral

During “The Breakfast Club” interview, Iyanla Vanzant explains why setting boundaries during grief is an act of self-love …
Photo: Getty Images Bettmann / Contributor

Rev. William Barber: Why We Must Reclaim MLK’s Radical Vision

According to Rev. Dr. William Barber, to truly honor and reclaim Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, people must return to King’s original, radical blueprint: organizing multi-racial, local, and state-level movements to challenge systemic injustices …
Why Fewer Black Residents Are Taking the Lead in Minneapolis Protests

Why Fewer Black Residents Are Taking the Lead in Minneapolis Protests

Black people are present, but many have been vocal about choosing not to engage in the same ways they once did. Some have even pushed back against certain protest tactics. This shift has been interpreted by some as apathy or retreat. It is neither …
How A Black Woman Helped To Revolutionize Pilates In The United States

How A Black Woman Helped To Revolutionize Pilates In The United States

Did you know that modern-day Pilates was pioneered by a Black woman? Here’s everything you need to know about the iconic Kathy Stanford Grant …
Florida Venue Allegedly Keeps Bride's $7,600 Wedding Deposit After Her Fiancé Dies, You Won't Believe Their Response

Florida Venue Allegedly Keeps Bride’s $7,600 Wedding Deposit After Her Fiancé Dies, You Won’t Believe Their Response

After Tye Hinson’s wedding dreams came to a tragic end, the venue’s response to her refund request sparked a viral debate …
Georgia Man Goes on a Full-Blown Racist Tirade, Messes Around and Finds Out

Georgia Man Goes on a Full-Blown Racist Tirade, Messes Around and Finds Out

Robert Burke was seen in the video screaming the “N-word” at a security guard and claiming free speech …
Zoe Saldaña Breaks Her Silence on Becoming the Highest-Grossing Actress of All Time...and Here's How She Did It

Zoe Saldaña Breaks Her Silence on Becoming the Highest-Grossing Actress of All Time…and Here’s How She Did It

Zoe Saldaña is now the most successful actor of all time. And now she’s finally responding to her new milestone! …
The <i>Real</i> Reason Those Bruno Mars Tickets Are So Damn Expensive

The Real Reason Those Bruno Mars Tickets Are So Damn Expensive

Fans were left in shock after seeing the prices for Bruno Mars’ tour and were left wondering why concerts are so expensive now. Here’s why! …
Dr. King's Favorite Pastime and More Little Known Facts on MLK Day

Dr. King’s Favorite Pastime and More Little Known Facts on MLK Day

On this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, take a closer look at little known facts about the life and legacy of one of the most famous men in history …
Sade's Most Timeless Songs in Celebration of Her Birthday!

Sade’s Most Timeless Songs in Celebration of Her Birthday!

Sade’s music has maintained its potency decades after she burst onto the scene. This playlist delivers hits and sleepers that are definitely a vibe …
Olandria's Recent Red Carpet Slayings Prove She's Here to Stay!

Olandria’s Recent Red Carpet Slayings Prove She’s Here to Stay!

Olandria Carthen may have gained fame from ‘Love Island,’ but she’s clearly here to stay for a long time. Let’s talk about it! …
We Now Know the Shocking Truth of How Much Training ICE Agents Really Go Through

We Now Know the Shocking Truth of How Much Training ICE Agents Really Go Through

After an 120 percent ICE manpower increase, a new report revealed hundreds of agents were never properly trained …
Shannon Sharpe's New Look Has Black Women Feeling Some Type of Way

Shannon Sharpe’s New Look Has Black Women Feeling Some Type of Way

Shannon Sharpe has got the social media streets abuzz once again, but this time it’s for something positive. And boy, do women have some thoughts …
The Worst Examples of Black Women Celebs Being Publicly Mistreated

The Worst Examples of Black Women Celebs Being Publicly Mistreated

Black women have been unfairly talked about from everything from their hair to their financial status. Let’s take a look back at some of the worst moments! …
Why an Empathetic Black Reporter Sparked Backlash in Sports Media

Why an Empathetic Black Reporter Sparked Backlash in Sports Media

Recent interviews reveal double standard in how Black journalists are treated versus their white peers …
Wisconsin GOP Confuses 2 Black Democratic Candidates in Attack Ad -- and Catch Hell Over It

Wisconsin GOP Confuses 2 Black Democratic Candidates in Attack Ad — and Catch Hell Over It

Democrats– and social media users– are dragging Wisconsin Republicans after they confused the only two Black men running for governor …
Bernice King Calls On Black Church to Lead Ahead of MLK Day

Bernice King Calls On Black Church to Lead Ahead of MLK Day

EXCLUSIVE: Dr. Bernice King has never shied away from her father’s legacy. Now, decades after MLK’s death, she’s calling on the Black Church to pick up the slack …
Brian Austin Green Responds to Tichina Arnold Dating Reveal With a Heartbreaking Revelation

Brian Austin Green Responds to Tichina Arnold Dating Reveal With a Heartbreaking Revelation

Just two weeks after Tichina Arnold revealed she dated “Beverly Hills, 90210” star Brian Austin Green, the ’90’s heartthrob is now sharing his side of the story …