Julia Roberts made a bold statement at the Cannes Film Festival by walking barefoot on the red carpet.
This act seemed to defy the traditional etiquette that mandates wearing heels, sparking a conversation about whether it was a declaration of intent or simply eccentricity.
The rebellion against high heels at Cannes had already gained momentum the previous year, and Julia Roberts decided to reignite the discussion. While presenting the film "Money Monster" alongside George Clooney, directed by Jodie Foster, Roberts walked the red carpet of the Festival Palace without shoes, exuding radiance.
Initially wearing sandals, she nonchalantly took them off at some point, openly displaying her bare feet. Whether this was mere eccentricity or carried deeper intentions remained a subject of speculation.
The Cannes Film Festival had faced criticism in the past for its gender-biased dress code. In 2015, a sc--dal erupted when a group of women in their 50s, some with medical reasons preventing them from wearing heels, were reportedly expelled from a screening gala for not adhering to the high-heeled requirement. This incident, coupled with similar stories shared on social media, led to calls for change within the festival's dress code.
Amidst the controversy surrounding the stringent dress code, some actresses took a stand. Emily Blunt, for instance, opted to boycott the festival and expressed her frustration, stating that everyone should be allowed to wear flat shoes.
The unequal treatment based on gender continued to draw criticism in subsequent years, with Kristen Stewart highlighting the issue during a press roundtable for the film "Cafe Society." She emphasized the need for immediate change, challenging the double standards imposed on women regarding footwear on the red carpet. Stewart argued that the dress code should be more inclusive, allowing individuals to choose whether to wear heels or not, regardless of their gender.
