Ahead of interest in famous atendees or the films being unveiled, the biggest story at this year's Cannes Film Festival appears to be the type of footwear guests have chosen to tread the red carpet. Reports emerged on Tuesday that a group of women were turned away from the red carpet at the Carol premiere the night before because they were wearing flats and not high heels, sparking controversy amidst all the glamour of the French Riviera film extravaganza.
There has been controversy over the reported dress code at Cannes Film Festival regarding shoes
According to Screen Daily, "a handful of women in their 50s were turned away" when they arrived for the screening wearing rhinestone flats instead of heels. Fans took to social media to express anger at the dress code, fuelled further when Senna director Asif Kapadia revealed that his wife had received similar treatment.
"Happened to my wife (eventually let in)," he wrote on Twitter in response to one journalist asking if the reports were true.
The festival's director Thierry Fremaux also took to the social media site to dismiss claims that the dress code demanded women were heels, calling the rumours "unfounded".
Emily Blunt called the controversy 'disappointing'
"Not at all. And the rumour that the festival demands women wear high heels on the steps is unfounded," he wrote in French, responding to the speculation. "For the steps, the rules have not changed. 'Tuxedos, evening wear'. No mention of heels."
Meanwhile, at a press conference for her new film Sicario, actress Emily Blunt addressed the conflict, describing it as "disappointing".
"I think everyone should wear flats to be honest. We shouldn't wear high heels anymore," she said. "That's just my point of view," she later added. "I prefer to wear Converse sneakers."
Lightening the mood, Sicario director Denis Villeneuve joked that he and Emily's co-stars Benicio del Toro and Josh Brolin would be wearing high heels at Tuesday night's premiere of the film.