Cannes 2026: The red carpet’s new era of age diversity
As actresses aged 73 to 92 command headlines, industry experts point to a convergence of cultural shifts and economic influence reshaping fashion and film.
The 2026 Cannes Film Festival has marked a distinct departure from traditional red carpet norms, with older actresses capturing the majority of media attention for their style. Joan Collins, aged 92, Jane Fonda, 88, Catherine Deneuve, 82, and Isabella Rossellini, 73, were among those who dominated headlines, presenting a visual narrative of age diversity that experts cite as evidence of changing attitudes within the fashion and film industries.
These women attended the festival primarily to promote their current projects, with Collins and Rossellini starring in the Wallis Simpson biopic My Duchess, while Fonda participated in a L’Oréal event. Their presence, however, transcends promotional duties. Collins wore a white sculptural strapless gown by Stéphane Rolland, Fonda appeared in a floor-length sequined Gucci dress, Rossellini in a striking patterned two-piece, and Deneuve in forest-green satin with hoop earrings, collectively signalling a shift in who is permitted to occupy the spotlight.
Alyson Walsh, founder of the style website That’s Not My Age, described Collins’ appearance as super-glamorous, noting the significance of seeing women at that age celebrated for their style. This visibility aligns with broader trends observed in fashion campaigns and on runways, where brands such as Chanel, Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton, and Givenchy have increasingly featured models over 40. The industry is responding to a cultural shift and the economic weight of an ageing population, often referred to as the grey pound, which held a value of £320bn in 2016.
Rebi Merilion, co-founder of the modelling agency Mrs Robinson, highlighted that clients are increasingly aware of the spending power and influence of older women. She noted that consumers respond positively to representation that feels both believable and aspirational. This commercial reality is supported by demographic projections, with a 2024 House of Commons report predicting that 27% of the UK population will be over 65 by 2072, up from 19% in 2022.
Despite the progress, Deborah Jermyn, associate professor in film and culture at Roehampton University, pointed out that the red carpet remains a microcosm of western culture, where marginalisation persists. She observed that while the current wave of visibility includes white, thin, able-bodied, and gender-conforming women, there is potential for wider change. Jermyn suggested that the long-held notion of retreating from public space with age is being challenged, with figures like Viola Davis and Angela Bassett poised to expand this diversity in the coming decade.