Cannes 2026: Indian Celebs Making Their Debut And The OGs You Need To Watch

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The 79th Cannes Film Festival runs from May 12 to 23, 2026, at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès on the French Riviera. And this year, India is not just showing up; India is running the room.

From returning fashion favourites like Alia Bhatt and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to fresh Cannes debutants, this year's Indian presence promises a mix of elegance, drama and unforgettable fashion moments. Plus, for the first time, an Indian filmmaker is presiding over a jury. Here is your complete guide - the OGs, the first-timers, and the one name that towers above them all.

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The OGs: India's Cannes Regulars

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

No list starts anywhere else. Representing L'Oréal Paris, Cannes veteran Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will once again return as a global ambassador. She has been doing this since 2002 and has never not been the most-watched Indian on that carpet. Whatever she wears becomes the reference point for the week.

Alia Bhatt

After creating massive buzz with her Cannes debut last year, Alia Bhatt is back for round two. She is expected to once again represent L'Oréal Paris as one of its global ambassadors. Last year, Alia grabbed attention with her saree-inspired Gucci ensemble and dreamy Giorgio Armani Privé couture look, making her one of the standout Indian celebrities on the carpet. The bar has been set. The question is whether she clears it.

Aditi Rao Hydari

After becoming one of the internet's favourite Cannes stars last year with her now-viral sindoor-inspired appearance, Aditi Rao Hydari is returning to the festival once again. Known for blending Indian tradition with international couture, Aditi's fashion choices are expected to remain among the most talked-about this season.

Karan Johar

Karan Johar is likely to return after his previous Cannes outing, while Mouni Roy will mark her third appearance at the festival. KJo at Cannes has become as reliable a fixture as the Palme d'Or itself, and given his Met Gala appearance earlier this month in a Manish Malhotra cape, his Riviera look has a lot to live up to.

Mouni Roy

Mouni Roy is making her third appearance at the festival, representing luxury brands after her successful stints in previous editions. She has quietly built a reputation as one of Bollywood's more consistently elegant Cannes presences - and third time out, she knows exactly what she's doing.

The Debutants: First-Timers To Watch

Tara Sutaria

Tara Sutaria is all set to make her Cannes debut this year, attending ahead of her upcoming film Toxic: A Fairy Tale For Grown-ups, starring alongside Yash. Fashion watchers are especially curious to see her debut red-carpet look. While Tara will be representing a brand rather than screening a film, her fashion sensibility, always polished, often unexpected, makes her one of the most anticipated debuts of the year.

Kalyani Priyadarshan

The South Indian star brings genuine momentum to her debut. Fresh off the massive success of Lokah Chapter One: Chandra, Kalyani Priyadarshan will walk the iconic red carpet on May 14. She has spoken about what the moment means: "Cannes has always been such an iconic celebration of cinema, so being there this year feels very special. I think Indian cinema is being recognised globally in such an exciting way right now, especially with newer voices and stories finding their space."

Ammy Virk

This one is bigger than a debut. Punjabi singer-actor Ammy Virk will attend Cannes for the first time with his film Chardikala, joined by his co-star Roopi Gill. His appearance is being seen as a proud moment for Punjabi cinema, highlighting its growing recognition on international platforms. Regional Indian cinema at the Riviera is no longer a novelty, it is becoming an expectation.

Jacqueline Fernandez

Jacqueline Fernandez is also expected to make a major style statement at Cannes 2026. Reports suggest the actress has been closely involved in planning every detail of her appearance, from couture fittings to accessories and styling. That level of preparation usually signals something worth watching.

Beyond The Red Carpet: The Name That Matters Most

Before any outfit is discussed, it deserves its moment. Filmmaker Payal Kapadia, whose film All We Imagine as Light received international acclaim, has been appointed president of the jury for the 65th edition of Cannes Critics' Week. This marks a massive transition, from being a recognised talent to holding significant influence at one of the world's most prestigious film festivals.

Kapadia's film All We Imagine as Light won the Grand Prix at Cannes 2024, making it the first Indian film in the Competition section in 30 years. Now she is not attending Cannes. She is presiding over it.

Bottomline

India at Cannes 2026 is not a single headline; it is several. A filmmaker chairing a jury. A Punjabi film on an international screen. South Indian cinema is finding its Riviera footing. And the usual parade of Bollywood glamour that the rest of the world has come to expect and watch, every single May. The red carpet begins today. Keep your eyes open.