Journalism of Courage
The Cannes Film Festival is said to have an unspoken rule about the kind of footwear allowed on the red carpet. According to this rule, women are only allowed to wear high heels at the events held as a part of the Festival. While no one has officially confirmed this, nor is it a part of any official rule book, many incidents in the past have shone light on it’s existence. Celebrities have also taken a stance against this rule by going barefoot or wearing footwear which may be considered inappropriate for the event.
Julia Roberts took off her heels in 2016 at the Cannes Film Festival to make a statement against their unspoken shoe rule in 2016 at her movie Monster Moneys premier. She can be seen walking up the red carpet stairs barefoot.
Julia Roberts with her Monster Money co-star George Clooney
Sasha Lane walks barefoot at a photo call at Cannes
Kristen Stewart climbed the stairs after taking off her heels in 2018. She was attending the Cannes Film Festival as a jury member
Cate Blanchett presented an award barefoot in 2018
Jennifer Lawrence wears flip-flops to the red carpet at the premiere of Anatomy of a Fall in 2023
Jennifer Lawrence clicked at the red carpet
Isabelle Huppert took another approach to break this rule. She wore shoes molded as bare feet at the red carpet in 2023
