It’s all in the details on the 2025 Cannes Film Festival red carpet. From chopped-up dark hair to double-winged, cat-eye makeup, the annual affair has already introduced a new wave of beauty aesthetics boasted by the likes of model Cara Delevingne and actress Ariana Greenblatt.
When it comes to nails, specifically, the actresses, filmmakers, models and celebrities gravitated toward three main colors: clear, pale pink and pitch-black. The star shape on the carpet was square. Meanwhile, the surprising trend to come out of the two-week event was the popular nail length: ultra-short. Guests noticeably clipped-off their acrylics for more natural, healthier nail beds.
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Ahead, WWD breaks down the hottest red carpet nail trends from Nicole Kidman, Elle Fanning and more.
Colors: Clear, Pitch-Black and Pale Pink
Elle Fanning
Elle Fanning attended the premiere of “The Mastermind” on May 23, wearing a long-sleeved, low-cut V-neck Valentino couture gown embellished with sequins and diamond-shaped stitching.
For her nails, the “A Complete Unknown” actress opted for a clear coat of polish on her natural nail beds.
Nicole Kidman
Nicole Kidman arrived on the 2025 Kering Women in Motion Awards on May 18 in a red, floral lace turtle-neck gown, straight blond hair and dark roots.
“Babygirl” star Nicole Kidman donned an inky black nail polish, juxtaposing her bright red dress.
Halle Berry posed outside the premiere of “The Phoenician Scheme” in a floral-embroidered Chanel couture pant suit with a black velvet pussy bow and dangly diamond earrings.
The 58-year-old actress accessorized her look with a light bubblegum-colored nails, bringing out the warm hues in her suit.
Shape: Square
Lady Eliza Spencer
Lady Eliza Spencer stepped out alongside Lady Amelia Spencer for the premiere of “La Venue de l’Avenir” in matching square-neck, strapless gowns with tulle trains and a tiny waist skirt. Lady Amelia Spencer’s dress was black, while Lady Eliza Spencer wore the pale pink version.
Lady Eliza Spencer completed her look with square-cut nails coated in a bubblebath color to complement her fashion.
Sri Divya
Sri Divya wore a two-piece, black strapless gown to the premiere of “La Venue De L’avenir” on May 22 for the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival. Her ensemble included a mesh wrap around her left shoulder.
For her nails, Divya went with a square shape and a subtle pink color to brighten the dark gown.
Ryan Destiny
Ryan Destiny posed for the cameras outside the “Vie Privée” on May 20 in a dark brown, satin dress with paneling and a high slit. Her short train fell effortlessly behind her matching pointed-toe pumps.
“The Fire Inside” actress took part in the square nail trend, adding a pink mauve color on top of her long nail beds.
Length: Ultra-Short
Isabelle Huppert
Isabelle Huppert played with her fashion for “The Richest Woman in the World” photocall on May 19, dressing in a two-piece matching denim set with oval-shaped glasses.
The French actress mimicked her dark-hued sunglassed with a pitch-black nail cilor and extremely short nail beds, no muss, no fuss.
Cara Delevingne
Cara Delevingne sent shockwaves through the Cannes Film Festival crowds when she arrived on the red carpet with gothic, shaggy hair and choppy fringe. The model wore a burgundy gown with a black tulle petticoat.
Delevingne minimized the drama of her look with natural nails, clipping them extra short and keeping them clear.
Gracie Abrams
On break from her tour, music artist Gracie Abrams made a cameo at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival for the premiere of “The History of Sound.” She wore a halter-neck black gown with intricate beading around the top and all over her matching shawl.
The “Close to You” singer lightened up the moody ensemble with a simple nail, keeping them short like the rest of her red carpet peers.