The wait is finally over! After days of fans wondering whether the Cannes Film Festival’s unofficial reigning queen would skip the red carpet this year, the actress was finally spotted at the Mumbai airport, and she brought her favourite travel companion along, daughter Aaradhya Bachchan.
Aishwarya attended the closing ceremony of the festival on May 22. As always, all eyes were on her as she made her first appearance at the film festival.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Turns Heads At Cannes 2026
In the first glimpse from Cannes 2026, Aishwarya looks beautiful in blue. Wearing a body-hugging royal blue gown with a soft, peachy makeup look, the actress waved and smiled at her fans in her hotel lobby.
Take a look:
Earlier, as Aishwarya and Aaradhya left Mumbai, the duo arrived at the airport in coordinated black outfits. The Guru star’s absence from Cannes 2026 had left fans disappointed, especially after she was missing from L’Oréal Paris’ Cannes campaigns and posters this year.
Aishwarya made her Cannes debut in 2002 with the premiere of Devdas, alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Her yellow saree look from that year remains a favourite till date. That one appearance started a legendary journey on the world’s most famous red carpet. Her iconic Cinderella blue Michael Cinco gown in 2017 and the butterfly-inspired gown in 2018 are two of her most memorable outfits that went viral.
In 2003, Aishwarya also became the first Indian actress to be a jury member at Cannes.
Indians At Cannes 2026
This year, Indian celebrities are among the biggest highlights at the festival. From , Tara Sutaria, Aditi Rao Hydari, Kalyani Priyadarshan, and Huma Qureshi to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Indian divas wowed everyone with their stylish appearances.
Alia Bhatt led opening-day appearances, attending three events and showcasing couture looks. She wore Tamara Ralph for the opening ceremony, Danielle Frankel for a film screening, and Tarun Tahiliani for a L’Oréal Paris dinner.
Tara Sutaria made her Cannes debut this year, channelling old-school glamour in a off-the-shoulder dress by Rhea Costa. Kalyani Priyadarshan marked a major career moment at the Cannes Film Festival 2026, stepping onto the iconic red carpet for the first time. She wore a custom strapless gown by Indian label Itrh.
Aditi Rao Hydari proved why she remains one of India’s most elegant style icons as she graced the Cannes 2026 red carpet. She made wore a neon metallic green gown from Tony Ward Couture, featuring a thigh-high slit.
For Punjabi cinema, Cannes 2026 proved to be extra special. Ammy Virk walked the Cannes red carpet for the first time, bringing his film Chardikala to a global stage.