A Look Back at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival—and the Evolving Red Carpet

Voila! The 2026 Cannes Film Festival has officially kicked off in France today. Over the next two weeks, Hollywood royalty will descend upon the Croisette for the glamorous affair—premiering a variety of films alongside the scenic Mediterranean views. Even better yet? The striking designer red carpet looks that come along with it: The festival, after all, has a history of delivering memorable outfits, whether stars are posing on the official step and repeat, or serving off-duty fashions coming to and from the airport.

In honor of this year’s event, then, we pondered: What did the Cannes carpet look like 20 years ago? A quick flashback to 2006 uncovered some standout red carpet moments that are worth bringing back. I mean, which other Cannes year had Beyoncé striking dramatic, Dreamgirls-worthy poses on the beach? Or Avril Lavigne arriving in striped pop-punk couture?

Michelle Yeoh in 2006.

Photo: Getty Images

In the early-aughts, the Cannes carpet revolved around all things glitz and glamour: Formal evening attire—almost rigidly so—was the name of the game. The 2006 Cannes still had an extremely strict dress code, after all: Attendees had to adhere to rules such as no flat shoes for women, and mandatory dinner jackets for men. As a result, many of the A-list guests leaned into the expected red carpet standards: Sweeping gowns and tailored tuxedos dominated the space.

Similar to the annual Oscars, stars played it safe-yet-chic. Actors like Michelle Yeoh arrived in a sweeping yellow chiffon gown; Beyoncé premiered Dreamgirls in a blue patterned halter dress from House of Deréon (her and Tina Knowles’s former line). It was less about bold statements or intriguing silhouettes, and more about looking refined and elegant—like playing the part of a true movie star. (Screen legends like Faye Dunaway even made a cameo on the 2006 Cannes carpet, too.)