Have you ever wondered how to get into the Cannes Film Festival without being a celebrity or a film director? In other words – how do us normal people get in? We decided to do some digging and found out how non-celebrities get their hands on tickets to one of the world’s most prestigious events. Here’s how to get into the Cannes Film Festival in 2019 – and if you don’t manage to, here’s how you can still enjoy it. Today we're sharing our tips to enjoying the world's most exclusive film festival, whether you're famous or not.
How to Get Into the Cannes Film Festival
We’ll break it to you gently – the general public cannot buy tickets to the Cannes Film Festival. It is available to the domain of film professionals only.
BUT if you’ve always dreamed of rubbing shoulders with celebrities, then come festival time you might be heading straight to that red carpet anyway, to see if you can get inside.
Our local insiders in Cannes have given us this top tip for how to get a ticket. Firstly, dress up in your best evening wear: for men, this means black tie, and for ladies, a ball gown. Then, head to the entrances of the Palais des Festivals – and get ready to wait. The actors and film-makers are all given a certain amount of tickets to get into the Cannes Film Festival, and are penalised if they don’t use them all. This is when you come in – sometimes they give these tickets away to well-dressed people waiting for their chance at the entrances! Many attempting this will hold a sign reading “one ticket please!” to get noticed more quickly.
Photo by Skitterphoto at Pexels.
I'VE MANAGED TO GET INTO THE CANNES FILM FESTIVAL… Now What?
You manage to catch the eye of a ticket-holder who agrees to bring you inside. Now what do you do? Make sure that you follow the strict etiquette rules for such a prestigious event. That means not having too much to drink, and not pestering the other guests for signatures and photos.
On that note, you may also have heard the news that selfies have now been banned from the Cannes Film Festival red carpet. Officials claim that they cause delays in getting guests into the Palais des Festivals. So if you’re lucky enough to get in, don’t cause a scene by getting your phone out.
You've got a serious dress code that you have to adhere to as well. Don't even think of wearing loafers and army-print khakis. You just shouldn't think of wearing those in general, to be honest. The famous red-carpet premieres have a strict black-tie dress code meaning regal gowns for women, bow ties and tuxedos for men. When else in your life are you going to be able to dress up like a movie star? Carpe diem! If you really want to get into the Cannes Film Festival, you've got to play the part.
What to Do if You Can't Get In
If these tips don't do the trick and you’re left ticket-less, don’t despair. Here are a few options for you to still get the most out of your Cannes Film Festival experience:
Cannes General TV Screenings
Anybody can head down to the red carpet. Along with excited crowds, you’ll be able to watch the action on giant TV screens. Even though you're not directly part of the exciting event, you can still witness it all from a decent distance.
GET THERE EARLY. If you want to see more than little ant-sized figures and faint camera flashes, get there early, and come prepared. You could be waiting there for hours, but that's up to you to decide if it's worth it or not.
Cinéma de la Plage on Cannes Beach
The open-air Cinéma de la Plage on Cannes Beach screens a different film every night of the Film Festival schedule and could be a great option to soak up the atmosphere. If you want to watch the stars from under the stars, the Cinéma de la Plage is open to everybody. And the best part? It’s free! Just make sure you get there early to get a beach chair.
Celebrity Spotting in Cannes Restaurants and Bars
Come nightfall, Cannes’ bars are full of people during event time. The most popular beach bars will host elite, exclusive film parties. Bouncers with guest lists will stop gawkers from getting in, but you may well see some famous faces coming in and out.
Photo by Nicolas Thomas on Unsplash
The same goes for restaurants, but you may have better luck rubbing shoulders with celebrities here if your budget can stretch for an expensive meal.
Want a complete guide to the best restaurants and bars in Cannes? Download your free guide here and increase your chances of spotting your favourite celebrities!
FIVE STAR SIGHTINGS
Cannes has no shortage of luxury hotels, and you can guarantee that come Cannes Film Festival time they will be all booked up with celebrities. The Majestic, the Martinez, and the Carlton are your best bets to catch a glimpse of A-listers getting in and out of their cars.
Photo by Marcus Wallis on Unsplash
Random Facts about the Festival de Cannes
All this plotting about how to get into the Cannes Film Festival has inspired us to share our favourite facts with you about this star-studded event.
- The Cannes Film Festival is the second largest media event in the world, topped only by the Olympic Games.
- The population of Cannes triples during the Film Festival to a whopping 200,000 people.
- The instantly-recognisable red carpet which drapes the steps of the Palais des Festivals is, in fact, changed 3 times a day during the Film Festival to keep it looking pristine.
If you are lucky enough to get into the Cannes Film Festival, we hope that you have the time of your life! If not, then we’ve given you plenty of tips as to how to enjoy your time in Cannes anyway. Maybe next year you’ll be arm-in-arm with George Clooney or Nicole Kidman…
Did you come here in the hopes of finding an affordable accommodation for the upcoming Cannes Film Festival? Here's where you should stay during Cannes' most important week of the year.
FAQs
The position of the logo will have to be submitted to the approval of the Festival de Cannes. Feature films to be submitted for the Official Selection must be entered by March 21st, 2023. The registration deadline for short films is March 17th, 2023.
How much does a ticket to Cannes Film Festival cost? ›
PRICE: Some events listed below! Some Event Details TBD! Email us to be placed on notification list!
| Ticket Type | Price (per person) | Action |
|---|
| 2023 Cannes: amfAR Gala, Thursday, May 25th, 2023 (ULTRA EXCLUSIVE A-LIST EVENT! see more info here: https://youtu.be/9MfXPp3-UQM) | $14995 | Buy Now |
1 more rowHow much does it cost to attend? Passes to attend the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity range from nearly $4,000 for the week to premium passes for around $9,800.
Can a normal person attend Cannes Film Festival? ›
The Festival de Cannes is reserved primarily for film industry professionals. Every participant must be granted accreditation to take part in the Festival. Professional accreditations are granted by professional category.
Who are eligible for Cannes? ›
To be eligible for Creative Effectiveness Lions, the work must have won or been shortlisted at Cannes Lions in 2022, 2021/2020 or 2019. To be eligible for Entertainment Lions for Gaming, the eligibility dates are 21 February 2021 - 23 April 2023.
Who is invited to Cannes? ›
The Cannes Film Festival and its industry arm Marche du Cinema are two separate entities. While the festival is invite-only, anyone including producers, distributors, programmers and buyers can attend its Film Market.
Is there a dress code for Cannes Film Festival? ›
A Red Carpet Dress is Must-Have Film Festival Attire
A red carpet dress is a must-have, regardless if you have an invite or not! Many premieres give out tickets the day-of. If you don't have accreditation, you may be lucky enough to be stopped by someone and given a ticket.
Is Cannes Film Festival a big deal? ›
For more than 70 years, the Cannes Film Festival has been one of the biggest media events in the world. For 12 days, the seaside city thrills to the passions of the 7th art around the iconic climbing of the steps and the famous La Croisette.
Do you need to speak French in Cannes? ›
As it is an international city, expatriates moving to Cannes can expect many people to speak some English, although learning French is advisable.
Is it worth going to Cannes? ›
Is Cannes worth visiting? Cannes offers something for every type of traveler, so it is definitely worth visiting. Whether you're interested in its history and culture, its beaches and nightlife, or its shops and restaurants, you're sure to find plenty to keep you entertained during your stay.
The same level of travel in Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris than you might in Cannes.
Can you see celebrities at Cannes? ›
It is free to visit the red carpet at the Film Festival Hall. In order to get a good view, plan to arrive at least two hours before the event. Another popular spot for celebrity sightings is at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. There are cafes located throughout Cannes.
What is so special about Cannes Film Festival? ›
First held in 1946 for the recognition of artistic achievement, the festival came to provide a rendezvous for those interested in the art and influence of the movies. Like other film festivals, it became an international marketplace where producers and distributors could exchange ideas, view films, and sign contracts.
How are people chosen for Cannes? ›
Prior to the beginning of each event, the Festival's board of directors appoints the juries who hold sole responsibility for choosing which films will receive a Cannes award. Jurors are chosen from a wide range of international artists, based on their body of work and respect from their peers.
Do you get invited to Cannes? ›
Cannes is unique amongst A-list film festivals in that it's an event largely reserved for film industry professionals and the press. Accreditation, screenings, and entry to official venues is tightly controlled, with the vast majority of the festival off-limits to the general public.
Do Cannes Winners get money? ›
The Jury designates three awards. The winners will receive a €15,000 grant for the First Prize, €11,250 for the Second and €7,500 for the Third. In case of a joint award, the amount will be divided equally.
Who went to Cannes uninvited? ›
Helly Shah at the Cannes Film Festival 2022. Besides Helly, actor Hina Khan was also not invited for the Indian Pavilion event at the festival.
Which celebrity can attend Cannes Film Festival? ›
Deepika Padukone, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Hina Khan, Pooja Hegde, Aditi Rao Hydari, Nayanthara, and more. Another edition of Cannes Film Festival is on the way, and all these Indian celebs are expected to attend. Deepika Padukone, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Nayanthara are expected to attend Cannes 2022.
What do Cannes winners get? ›
LA CINEF, an Official Selection of the Festival de Cannes
Winners receive a €15,000 grant for the first prize, while second place gets €11,250. The third spot snags €7,500. The money is split in case of ties.
How do you get invited to Cannes red carpet? ›
Quite simply, they are invited by someone. So they probably have good connections. In general, the red carpet is seen as a promo opportunity. So the directors and cast are invited (you rarely see the scriptwriter which is weird if you think about - the film would not exist without them).
Your host will wear a tuxedo but if you choose not to wear one you must come dressed in a dark suit or, better still, in any other even darker colored suit. It is important that the color of your shirt should not be too daring, but in one of the plain, lighter business colors.
How many nights do you need in Cannes? ›
We recommend you spend at least 2 days in Cannes; it's plenty of time to see what the town has to offer! Use our Cannes 2 day itinerary to help you make the most out of your trip. We've included most of the top sites, our tips and recommendations and enough relaxation time to enjoy the hot Riviera sun.
Is Cannes more prestigious than Oscars? ›
Cannes is an international festival that favors art cinema and political cinema. The Oscars are a Hollywood industry ceremony that favors American film. Why does the Cannes film festival matter? The Cannes film festival matters because it's one of the most prestigious and well publicised events in the world.
Do you make money from film festivals? ›
How Filmmakers Make Money. The short answer to the question of how filmmakers make money from film festivals is that they often don't. In fact, in some cases they lose money because they have to pay to submit their films. Not every filmmaker receives a screening fee if his or her film is selected.
Why is Cannes so popular? ›
Cannes is one of the most popular towns on the French Riviera. Its beaches, Mediterranean climate and exceptional geographical location near Nice (15.5 miles), Monaco (22 miles) and Saint-Tropez (27 miles) attract some three million visitors from all around the world each year.
Is it better to go to Nice or Cannes? ›
Both became popular resorts in the mid-19th century. They both boast sweeping seaside promenades, Belle Epoque architecture and beautiful beaches. But while Cannes is a notorious playground for the wealthy, Nice is still relatively down to earth.
Can you walk around Cannes? ›
With its wide boulevards and chic shopping streets, there are some wonderful places to stroll in Cannes. Whether you want to experience seaside, countryside or cobbled roads lined with wonderful architecture, here are our picks of the best spots to go for a wander in town.
Is Cannes France expensive? ›
How much money will you need for your trip to Cannes? You should plan to spend around €110 ($117) per day on your vacation in Cannes, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, €36 ($39) on meals for one day and €13 ($14) on local transportation.
Is 1 day enough for Cannes? ›
There are plenty of things to do in Cannes, but you don't need to stay in the city itself and pay its high prices to get a slice of the glamour, one day in Cannes is possible.
Is it safe to go to Cannes at night? ›
Cannes' Safety Rate
You can explore all the neighborhoods in the city while the sun is out and there are fewer chances that you might get caught up in a crime. At night, this safety rate drops to 66.67% which, despite the 16.66% difference, is still considered pretty high.
French is the official language spoken in Cannes. As a hugely popular international tourist destination you may well find that in many restaurants, bars and hotels English is spoken.
Where do the rich live in France? ›
Just across the river Seine, a neighborhood named after a French philosopher, Saint-Thomas d'Aquin, is the richest neighborhood in Paris. The left bank neighborhood includes beautiful streets such as Rue du Bac, Rue de Verneuil, and rue de Grenelle.
How long should you stay in Cannes? ›
To experience all of the great things to do in Cannes, it is recommended that you spend at least two full days in this beautiful town. This is because so many people visit Cannes in just one day, but giving yourself a full two days to see the city will allow you to walk around at your own pace and truly enjoy Cannes.
Where do the rich live in South of France? ›
The French Riviera is known to be a playground for the rich and famous. But of all the seaside towns, the village of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat stands apart. The exclusive coastal community, known for its yacht-filled harbor and opulent historic villas, is home to only about 1,600 permanent residents.
Is Cannes by invite only? ›
The festival is an invitation-only film festival celebrating films of all genres, including documentaries, from across the globe. Cannes is so prestigious that attendees are not allowed to take selfies on the red carpet.
What is the best way to get to Cannes? ›
Given that Cannes is located on the Marseille-Nice railway and that the city is serviced by three types of international trains, namely, Trains Bleus, the TEE (Trans-Europe Express) and the TGV (high speed trains), it is easily accessible from Paris (about 7 hours to Cannes by train), for instance, from Marseille, from ...
What does Cannes Film Festival pay? ›
In 2021, the Cannes Lions festival generated revenues of 5.3 million British pounds, down from more than 42 million pounds in 2019. Poor 2020 and 2021 results are due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Festival not able to take place in a physical space in these two years.
Why should I go to Cannes? ›
Cannes is a resort town famous for its beautiful beaches, luxury hotels and resorts, annual film festival, and lively nightlife. It is also known as an important destination for yachting and has some of the largest marinas in Europe.
What's the point of Cannes? ›
First held in 1946 for the recognition of artistic achievement, the festival came to provide a rendezvous for those interested in the art and influence of the movies. Like other film festivals, it became an international marketplace where producers and distributors could exchange ideas, view films, and sign contracts.
Where do celebrities hang out in Cannes? ›
InterContinental Hotel Carlton, Cannes
The beautiful Belle Epoque hotel has attracted endless celebrities including Grace Kelly who met her husband, Prince Rainier of Monaco here in 1955.
The price of train tickets from Nice to Cannes starts at €7.40 one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Booking on the day is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or class.
Is Cannes more expensive than Monaco? ›
Which city is cheaper, Cannes or Monaco? The average daily cost (per person) in Monaco is €148, while the average daily cost in Cannes is €110.
How do you get your film picked up? ›
To get your film picked up for a traditional regional theatrical release, you will need a distribution deal. As mentioned, one way to find a deal is by entering film festivals. You can also contact distributors directly and ask if they would be interested in your film.
How hard is it to get a film into Sundance? ›
Sundance Film Festival FAQ
The first step is to complete the online submission form, then send a copy of your film to the address provided. The festival receives over 12,500 submissions for around 275 berths, so the chances of selection are quite slim.
