The 78th Cannes Film Festival, running from May 13 to 24, 2025 is a sparkling convergence of boldness, cinema, fashion and cultural discourse. 

This year’s edition stood out for its bold red carpet appearances and thought-provoking films. Standing out most especially was the significant policy changes that got tongues talking. The festival had worked on its dress code, banning nudity and extra voluminous ball gowns. This has sparked so many debates online. 

While people have been criticising the policy changes, here are some stars that showed up at the Cannes Film Festival looking dashing. 

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Bella Hadid

Model Bella Hadid stunned in a form-fitting black Saint Laurent dress featuring a high slit and bare sides. Her look stirred conversation as it tactfully navigated the festival’s newly enforced dress code. The code which prohibits nudity and overly voluminous gowns. She paired the look with 118.68-carat emerald Chopard earrings and a 12.15-carat diamond ring. Hadid balanced elegance and defiance, making a case for fashion as protest. 

Irina Shayk

Irina dressed in alignment to the festival’s new dress code that prohibits nudity and excessively large ball dresses. She graced the Festival in a black and white polka dot Armani Privé gown. 

The look featured a strapless bodice with structured lines, balloon sleeves, a flowing pleated skirt, black gloves and two toned earrings. This look expressed Shayk’s ability to turn heads with elegance and marked sophistication. 

Heidi Klum

Heidi Klum made a bold statement at the Cannes Festival, gracing the red carpet in a pink floral Elie Saab couture gown with a long train. While the look was on that turned heads, it violated the newly enforced dress code which prohibits voluminous dresses. 

The dress also featured a thigh high slit that added to the dazzle of the entire look. 

Eva Longoria

Appearing on the red carpet of the Cannes Festival showcasing her love for nude once more is Eva Longoria. The haute couture gown by Tamara Ralph was the main character as it mirrored an hour glass body with black running down the sides. She finished the look with diamond earrings and a majestic choker. 

Wan Qianhui

Chinese actress, wan Qianhui attended the Cannes Festival looking celestial in a large cloudlike white dress that looks like huge cotton balls. The dress was strapless and fitted at the bodice with a voluminous skirt. 

While some of the outfits went against the virally criticized newly enforced dress code, they were dazzling and made loud and bold statements.

The 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival from May 13 to May 24, 2025 marks a historic turning point for Nigerian cinema. For the first time ever, Nigeria isn’t just participating at the prestigious global event; it’s staking a powerful claim on the world stage.

From a debut national pavilion to the official recognition of two groundbreaking films, Nigeria is rewriting the narrative of African storytelling at Cannes. This year’s festival features 22 films in the Official Selection, but what makes 2025 unforgettable for Nollywood isn’t just the numbers, it’s the quality, boldness, and cultural depth of the stories being told.

This is more than presence. It’s representation with purpose, and a moment that signals a new era for Nigerian film.

Here are the two Nigerian films making waves at Cannes 2025, each bringing a unique story and perspective to the global stage.

My Father’s Shadow

Director: Akinola Davies Jr.

Category: Cannes Official Selection

Premiere Date: May 18, 2025

My Father’s Shadow makes history as the first Nigerian feature film to be included in the Cannes Official Selection. Set against the backdrop of the 1993 Nigerian presidential election, the film follows two brothers navigating a politically tense Lagos with their estranged father.

With raw emotion, political insight, and masterful cinematography, this film represents a milestone for Nigerian storytelling on the global stage.

Osamede

Director: James Omokwe

Category: Cannes Film Market Screening

Screening Date: May 17, 2025

Rooted in African mythology and history, Osamede is a fantasy thriller set in the 1897 Benin Kingdom. It follows a young orphan girl who discovers her superhuman powers and sets out to protect her people against colonial threats. With its stunning visuals and mythical narrative, Osamede is a bold testament to Nollywood’s capacity for genre innovation and world-building.

Its screening at the Cannes Film Market puts the spotlight on Nigeria’s ability to compete at a global scale.

Conclusion

With the groundbreaking inclusion of My Father’s Shadow and the fantasy brilliance of Osamede, Cannes 2025 marks a monumental moment for Nollywood.

This is not just a breakthrough, it’s a blueprint for the next chapter of Nollywood: bold, visionary, and ready to take center stage. Which of these Nigerian films will you watch first? The historical and emotional layers of My Father’s Shadow? The magical, mythical adventure of Osamede? Let me know in the comments which one you’re most excited to see.

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Imagine being in the presence of greatness, witnessing a superstar in the making. That’s exactly what’s happening on Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter Tour, where Queen Bey’s little star, Rumi, is stealing the spotlight. As you watch, you can’t help but be captivated by Rumi’s adorable antics and charming personality.

Beyonce performing “Tyrant” on a Metallic Bull

On 28th April, 2025, Beyonce kicked off her “Cowboy Carter Tour” at SoFi stadium outside of Los Angeles. It has been a riveting and incredible experience for people present and virtually viewing.

Queen Bey and Her Little Star, Rumi on the performance of “PROTECTOR” during the Cowboy Carter Tour in LA

During the opening night of “Cowboy Carter Tour” Blue Ivy and Rumi joined their mother onstage to perform “PROTECTOR” one of the tracks on “Cowboy Carter’s” album which was released March 29th, 2024 that features Rumi’s voice. The crowd went wild in cheers of Rumi’s appearance and performance.

Beyonce, Rumi, and Blue Ivy onstage

Rumi, Beyoncé’s youngest daughter, is making waves on the tour, and it’s clear she’s a natural-born performer. With her big smile and infectious energy, she’s winning hearts everywhere she goes. Whether she’s dancing, singing, or just being her adorable self, Rumi is undoubtedly the miniature queen of the Cowboy Carter Tour.

Beyonce and Rumi onstage

Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s parenting style is clearly paying off, as Rumi exudes a sense of comfort and belonging on stage. She’s growing up surrounded by music and performance, and it shows. With every step, every gesture, and every adorable expression, Rumi is proving herself to be a true superstar in the making.

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As the Cowboy Carter Tour continues, one thing is clear: Rumi is the ultimate scene-stealer. She’s a reminder that talent and charm can come in the smallest packages. So, get ready to be dazzled more by this tiny superstar, because Rumi is here to stay, and she’s shining brighter than ever.