Annually, the Cannes Movie Competition brings a storm of glam pink carpet seems, movie premieres, and an entire lot of influencer content material to our feeds. For a lot of, it’s the dream: the Riviera, the pink carpet, the couture. However how does one really find yourself there? Can you actually simply purchase a ticket?
The reply is effectively, sort of, sure. As a result of, as trend critic and journalist Aishwarya Subramaniam (aka Otherwarya) places it: “Seems you possibly can simply purchase a ticket.”
In a now-viral video, Aishwarya breaks down the numerous unofficial tiers of Cannes attendance with slicing accuracy and dry wit. Right here’s a breakdown:
First: Can you purchase a Cannes ticket?
For those who’re considering of shopping for a ticket prefer it’s a live performance, that’s probably not how Cannes works. The official screenings and pink carpet premieres are invite-only, principally reserved for:
- Movie forged and crew
- Accredited press and trade professionals
- Sponsors and model reps
- Choose movie college students and cinephiles
However Cannes is a fancy machine, and there are methods to get in—some official, some… much less so.
So, who really goes to Cannes?
Aishwarya lays it out fantastically with what she calls her “refresher on Cannes,” dividing attendees into six hilarious and surprisingly correct classes:
Class 1: The legit crew
“These are those who even have a movie screening on the Cannes Movie Competition. The administrators, the actors, the producers… you might be perhaps really proficient,” she says.
This group is there to work. They’re strolling the pink carpet not as influencers, however as filmmakers with a premiere. Their days are filled with press junkets, Q&As, and (hopefully) standing ovations.
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Class 2: The large women
“Okay-listers. Aishwarya Rai, Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt, Priyanka Chopra, Juniors… They’re not there for a film. They’re there as a result of they’re the face of a billion-dollar model that purchased a bit of the pink carpet.”
These celebs attend as model ambassadors, usually for sponsors like L’Oréal or Chopard. Their presence is a component trend assertion, half advertising marketing campaign.
Class 3: Influencers with model offers
“Manufacturers pay, influencers pose, everybody loses.” (ouch)
Barely much less glam than the celebs however simply as camera-ready, these influencers have landed model offers with official pageant sponsors. That deal usually comes with a pink carpet slot, a stylist, and a model tag in each caption.
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‘Malkin’ Parul Gulati made her pink carpet debut at Cannes 2025 in a gown made completely of hair, Nancy Tyagi, Shalini Passi returned to the carpet (Supply: Parul Gulati, Nancy Tyagi/Instagram)
Class 4: The self-pitched
“They ship 32 chilly emails to Brute, perhaps they received one reply… They pitch, they prep, they pray and typically they land.”
These are the hustlers. No model backing, no film—simply dedication. Some attain out to dozens of PR companies or occasion organizers and handle to wrangle an invitation. It’s a Cannes miracle.
Class 5: Black ticket vitality
“They paid in full, no questions requested. They don’t have a movie, they don’t have a deal, simply have vibes and a black market join.”
Sure, it occurs. Whereas not formally condoned, some individuals handle to buy entry by way of unofficial channels—often at exorbitant costs. Legitimacy is elective. Vibes are important.
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Class 6: The daylight posers
“50 euros, one look, no disgrace… Not the pink carpet, only a carpet.”
You’ll spot these of us on sidewalks or faux backdrops beneath full solar. They’re dressed for the Met Gala, however they’re not entering into the theatre. The content material, nevertheless, is simply as nice.
Can an everyday particular person go to Cannes?
Truly, sure—simply not the glamorous pink carpet half. Listed below are the official pathways to get into the pageant:
Three days in Cannes
A program for 18–28-year-olds who love cinema. Chosen candidates attend screenings of official movies (usually with the filmmakers current!). It’s worthwhile to write a brief software, and it’s very legit.
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Cinéphiles badge
Obtainable to college students, movie membership members, and locals. Affords entry to screenings in sidebars like Administrators’ Fortnight or Critics’ Week. No pink carpet entry, however loads of unimaginable movies.
Free seashore screenings
Cannes additionally hosts nightly open-air screenings which are free and open to the general public. Sure, you possibly can simply sit and watch motion pictures by the ocean. It’s magical—and no invite required.
So, when you might not purchase a literal “ticket,” there are many paths in. Whether or not you’re aiming for the pink carpet or only a front-row view from the seashore, there’s room for every kind of Cannes goals.