8 Of The Best-Dressed Women Over 40 At The 2026 Cannes Film Festival

Here at Women, we love to see women over 40 looking their best on the red carpet. The Cannes Film Festival provided such an opportunity for many actors, including Jane Fonda and Demi Moore, who has had an undeniable face transformation. The 2026 festival, in its 79th year, is held annually in France and features film premieres. This year was special because it featured a 25th anniversary screening of one of our favorite films: "The Fast and the Furious." It also featured some of the best-dressed women over 40 on the red carpet. 

The festival began on May 12, 2026, and will run until May 23, 2026. There is a nine-person jury that presents awards to the best films. Although the focus is on movies and storytelling, the fashion is one of the most anticipated parts of the event. Last year, we covered the worst-dressed stars at the Cannes Film Festival. This year, the stars over 40 looked absolutely stunning in their gowns, proving that age is just a number. 

Demi Moore appeared at the Cannes Film Festival in 2026 wearing a custom, purple Gucci gown and matching purple heels. The gown featured sheer sleeves and a flowing train. The 63-year-old actor accessorized with dangling diamond earrings and wore her black hair down. Moore was attending a screening of "La Vie D'Une Femme," but it was also her first time being a member of the Cannes jury, serving alongside Ruth Negga, Stellan Skarsgard, and Chloe Zhao, among others.

Heidi Klum attended the opening ceremony and a screening of the film, "La Venus Electrique." The 52-year-old model wore a peach Elie Saab gown with a pink flower detail. The gown consisted of a  beautiful wrapped silhouette and a train, and Klum accessorized with a diamond bracelet. Her hair was slightly darker than the typical light blonde we're used to seeing her with and was worn in waves. Since landing in Cannes, Klum has been spotted wearing other stylish 'fits, including a denim ensemble and an all-white look. 

Diane Kruger, 49, also looked stunning at the Cannes Film Festival. The actor wore a structured, floral Givenchy dress, which featured an asymmetrical hemline. She draped a green cape over the dress, which may have been her way of finding a way around the festival's rule of no voluminous outfits. The look was straight off the brand's Fall 2026 runway show, except the knee-high boots. Kruger's hair was also unique, with braids looped around a ballerina bun. The actor also wore matching open-toed floral shoes to the event.  

Jane Fonda, 88, made her first public appearance since her ex-husband Ted Turner's death on May 6th, 2026. She stunned the crowd in a shimmering Gucci gown with a high neck and long sleeves. She accessorized the dress with a stunning diamond and aquamarine necklace. Her gray hair was worn curly and short. During the festival, Fonda took the stage alongside Gong Li to officially open the event. She talked about the power of film to showcase stories about marginalization and hope. 

Jordana Brewster attended the Cannes Film Festival for a special reason: the 25th anniversary midnight screening of "The Fast and the Furious." She was joined by Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, and the late Paul Walker's daughter, Meadow Walker. The event was emotional, and Diesel teared up as he shared a tribute to the late Walker, as seen in this video posted by Variety on Instagram. Brewster opted to wear a stunning black Roberto Cavalli gown with a sheer lace panel. For her daytime look, Brewster wore a white pinstriped suit by Jean Paul Gaultier. 

Joan Collins is the epitome of the saying that "age is nothing but a number." Collins, aged 92, attended the Cannes Film Festival opening ceremony. Her gown was structural and classy, with white petal-like ruffles on the upper half. The legend added to the dramatic look by wearing black gloves and a sparkling diamond necklace. Her bright pink lip also stood out, and she wore her hair in a classic updo style. Collins recently told Hello! that she doesn't "believe in needles" and has never had Botox. 

Actor Michelle Rodriguez wore a Paolo Sebastian gown to the Cannes Film Festival, and the 47-year-old actor looked stunning. The dress featured a structured corset, crystal details, and a train. Of course, Rodriguez was there with the rest of the cast members from "The Fast and the Furious" for the special 25th anniversary screening. She also made a buzz at the festival for her sunglasses, which were oversized sports-style sunglasses. Although it was unconventional, it may spark a new trend in sport-style sunglasses. 

Gossip Girl here, and word on the street is that Serena's mom is looking better than ever. Kelly Rutherford, best known for playing Lily van der Woodsen in "Gossip Girl," appeared at the Cannes Film Festival opening ceremony. The 57-year-old actor wore a semi-sheer, black Armani gown with shimmering sequin details. The gown bared her black undergarments, which is technically against the Cannes Film Festival's dress code. The showstopper, though, was the chunky diamond necklace she wore as an accessory.