Alia Bhatt set for Cannes return along with other stars: "It feels incredibly special"

• Aishwarya, Alia, and Aditi will attend Cannes 2026.
• The stars will represent L'Oréal Paris at the festival.
• Cannes Film Festival will run from May 12 to May 23.
• Alia will return to Cannes after her debut last year.
• Aditi said Cannes is a meaningful platform for women’s empowerment.

As the Cannes Film Festival prepares for its annual celebration of cinema and fashion, Bollywood actors Aishwarya Rai, Alia Bhatt, and Aditi Rao Hydari are set to return to the international event.

The actors will attend the festival as global ambassadors for beauty brand L'Oréal Paris. The Cannes Film Festival will take place from May 12 to May 23. This year also marks the 29th anniversary of L'Oréal Paris at the festival.

Alia Bhatt made her Cannes red carpet debut last year as a global ambassador for the beauty brand. She said she is excited to return and celebrate women and sisterhood at the festival.

Sharing her excitement, Alia said, "It feels incredibly special to return to Cannes for the second time. Last year was such an unforgettable experience, and I am truly excited to be back for what feels like an even bigger celebration this year. There is a beautiful energy here, one of sisterhood and the celebration of female voices, and it is a privilege to be part of this journey with a brand that so strongly champions women’s worth and empowerment."

Aditi Rao Hydari attends the "L'Amour Ouf" (Beating Hearts) Red Carpet at the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 23, 2024 in Cannes, France.Getty Images

Aditi Rao Hydari also spoke about what Cannes means to her. She said the festival is more than fashion and films because it also celebrates women’s empowerment and individuality.

Aditi said, “For me, true beauty lies in embracing who you are unapologetically and owning your individuality with confidence. Cannes is such an iconic global platform, and being part of this journey with a brand that has consistently championed women’s empowerment makes it incredibly meaningful.”

She added, “I believe every woman deserves to feel seen, valued, and worthy, and that message resonates deeply with me."

At the festival, L'Oréal Paris will also present the sixth edition of the L’Oréal Paris Lights on Women’s Worth Award. Actor and ambassador Gillian Anderson will serve as the juror for the award.

Aishwarya Rai attends the "La Venue De L'avenir" (Colours Of Time) red carpet at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 22, 2025 in Cannes, France.Getty Images

Talking about this year’s participation, Dario Zizzi, General Manager at the beauty brand, said: "Twenty-nine years at Cannes has shown us how profoundly this stage can amplify voices that deserve to be heard globally. This year feels particularly meaningful, with Indian creativity and beauty reflected on the world's most iconic red carpet, which is a testament to how far we've come together. For us, Cannes has never just been about glamour; it's about championing the women who are rewriting the rules of culture, cinema and beauty on their own terms.”

Apart from Aishwarya, Alia, and Aditi, the lineup this year also includes Gillian Anderson, Simone Ashley, Jane Fonda, Ariana Greenblatt, Aja Naomi King, Eva Longoria, Andie MacDowell, Carlos Sainz Jr., and Bebe Vio.