The 2026 César Awards, held in Paris, turned out to be an unexpected disappointment for everyone who anticipated a true fashion spectacle from the French capital. The red carpet, usually a runway for bold looks and daring choices, this time appeared surprisingly understated and even dull. The lack of global celebrities and eye-catching outfits was immediately noticeable, giving the evening the feel of a routine gathering rather than the glamorous event of the year. Even the most devoted fans of French style struggled to find the usual sparkle and sophistication, and discussion of ensembles quickly shifted to the question of why Paris had suddenly lost its status as a fashion capital.
Amid this letdown, a few successful looks still stood out. Among them was a sleek black outfit worn by Camille Cottin, representing one of the rare examples of understated elegance. Rebecca Marder also chose a simple black dress, proving that minimalism can sometimes win out even against a backdrop of general gloom. Valeria Bruni Tedeschi took a risk with a ‘crushed’ fabric effect and wet-look hairstyle, adding individuality to her image. Surprisingly effective was Allison Wheeler’s oversized tuxedo, which looked fresh and modern compared to the overall sameness. Mélanie Thierry and Nadja Melliti didn’t stir much excitement, but their outfits at least weren’t an eyesore. Léa Drucker stuck to classic style, choosing a black dress that might have gone unnoticed elsewhere but here became a fitting example of an understated yet appropriate choice.
Missteps and letdowns
However, most of the event’s guests clearly failed to live up to expectations. Olivier Laxe, who recently impressed with a stylish look at the Baftas, this time chose a dull black suit that resembled workwear more than ceremony attire. Xavier Dolan’s choice raised even more questions—he appeared with bare underarms, a dress code twist that puzzled even his most loyal fans. Vimala Pons decided to revisit the outdated crop-top trend, while Lena Mahfouf went for a look that seemed like an unsuccessful parody of French cabaret. Valérie Donzelli surprised with a short dress, which felt inappropriate for such a significant occasion. According to many, Amélie Nothomb was misled by promises of a fashion triumph, while Maïna Foy, with lace and oversized shoulders, struggled to strike a balance between originality and style. Even Isabelle Huppert, who usually captivates audiences with her appearances, remained out of the spotlight this time, further highlighting the overall decline in interest in the ceremony’s fashion segment.
The loss of glamour
This year, Paris—despite its reputation as a fashion capital—failed to impress both the public and experts. Many have compared this night to other high-profile events, where failures and surprise successes become the main topics of discussion. For instance, as noted in the review of triumphs and failures at the 2026 Iris Awards, sometimes it’s the failed looks that become the most talked about and memorable. However, at the César 2026 even the mishaps weren’t bold enough to stir up emotions—instead, they left an impression of fatigue and indifference.
Where are the stars?
The main question on everyone’s mind—guests and viewers alike—was: where did the global celebrities go? The absence of big names and surprise appearances brought further disappointment to the evening. Even Jim Carrey, who usually draws attention with his style, appeared too reserved this time and failed to liven up the atmosphere. According to Divinity, many had hoped for more experiments and bold choices, but Paris seemed unprepared for fashion breakthroughs this year. Ultimately, César 2026 will be remembered more for its ordinariness than for any standout moments, and the event’s fashion segment sparked discussion about how even the most renowned occasions can lose their shine.
The César Award is one of France’s most prestigious film honors, presented annually for outstanding achievements in cinema. Since its inception, the ceremony has become not only a symbol of recognition for talent but also a stage for showcasing fashion trends. Over the years, the award has often been the scene of sensational debuts and unexpected style choices, with its red carpet serving as the birthplace of new trends. Despite occasional setbacks, interest in the event remains high, as it offers a glimpse into the evolving styles and moods of European cinema.
