Why Aishwarya Rai's absence from L’Oreal Cannes 2026 campaign triggered fans

• Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was missing from L’Oreal Paris’s Cannes 2026 campaign video.
• Fans questioned the brand on Instagram and X after the video was released.
• Aishwarya has represented L’Oreal at Cannes for more than 20 years.
• L’Oreal said Aishwarya, Alia Bhatt, and Aditi Rao Hydari will represent India at Cannes 2026.
• Alia Bhatt returned to Cannes this year as a Global Ambassador for L’Oreal Paris.

Actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was missing from beauty brand L'Oréal Paris’s latest Cannes Film Festival campaign video, leading to strong reactions online. Fans quickly noticed her absence after the brand shared the promotional clip on May 10 ahead of Cannes 2026.

The campaign video showed giant promotional posters being displayed across a hotel building in Cannes. Celebrities including Alia Bhatt, Viola Davis, Eva Longoria, and Helen Mirren appeared in the visuals. The caption on the post read, “And action! The most iconic facade in Cannes is getting its festival look (sic).”

Soon after the video was shared, fans flooded Instagram and X with questions about Aishwarya’s absence. Many users asked, “Where is Aishwarya?” while others criticized the brand for not including one of its most recognized global ambassadors in the campaign.

The reaction was especially strong because Aishwarya has shared a long relationship with L’Oreal Paris and the Cannes Film Festival. The 52-year-old actor has represented the brand at Cannes for more than two decades and is considered one of its most familiar faces at the global event.

Aishwarya became a global ambassador for L’Oreal in 2003. She joined international names such as Andie MacDowell, Eva Longoria, and Penélope Cruz as part of the brand’s ambassador lineup. Over the years, she has walked the Cannes red carpet more than 20 times under the L’Oreal banner.

Despite the criticism online, L’Oreal stated that all three of its Indian ambassadors, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Alia Bhatt, and Aditi Rao Hydari, will represent India at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.

While Aishwarya’s absence became a major talking point online, Alia Bhatt featured prominently in the campaign. She returned to Cannes for the second year in a row as a Global Ambassador for L’Oreal Paris after making her debut at the festival in 2025.

On Monday, Alia was spotted at Nice Airport wearing an all-black outfit. She chose a tailored Carolina Herrera blazer with puffed shoulders and a fitted waist, paired with matching Camila skinny trousers from the label’s Spring 2026 collection. She completed the look with Gucci accessories.

Speaking about her return to the festival, Alia said, "It feels incredibly special to return to Cannes with L’Oreal Paris 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," she added.

The festival will also feature filmmaker Payal Kapadia, who will serve as president of the jury for the 65th edition of Cannes Critics’ Week.