The 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival is drawing to its inevitable and thrilling close, bringing with it the outcome of one of the most electric competitions in recent years. Tonight, all eyes are on the red carpet at the Grand Théâtre Lumière, where the jury is about to unveil the winners of this year’s 2026 awards.
Among the leading contenders for the coveted Palme d’Or, La Bola Negra had emerged as a powerful frontrunner, marking the ambitious official competition debut from Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi. And as both the film’s star and the guiding force behind Los Javis on this cinematic journey, Penélope Cruz couldn’t disappoint in her final appearance.
The Madrid-born actress closed out the festival in a look destined to go down in Croisette history. After a week proving that black is her ultimate style power move, she raised the stakes for the closing ceremony by reviving a striking archival design.
© Getty ImagesPenélope Cruz Revives a Stunning 2012 Haute Couture Gown at Cannes
In her three previous appearances, she’d leaned into the power of dark monochrome, from the youthful, 1920s-inspired flapper look she wore for the press conference to the edgy ’80s-style blazer dress she chose for an after-party and, finally, the sophisticated asymmetrical gown trimmed with marabou feathers for the La Bola Negra premiere. But tonight, for the highly anticipated closing ceremony of the 79th Cannes Film Festival, she broke that visual streak by introducing the dazzling brightness of white in a true Haute Couture masterpiece created by Lebanese designer Georges Chakra nearly 15 years ago.
© Getty ImagesThe Oscar winner commanded every flash on the carpet in a breathtaking strapless gown that masterfully played with the kind of black-and-white contrast more often associated with Chanel creations, though this particular piece comes from Georges Chakra’s 2012–2013 Haute Couture collection. The dress, which hugs her figure before flowing into a voluminous black satin skirt with a train, stands out for its extraordinary craftsmanship.
© Getty ImagesThe bodice is entirely covered in intricate black-and-white feather appliqués, a detail that also runs along the edge of a dramatic asymmetrical overskirt draped around her hips. The effect adds movement, texture, and an unmistakable touch of old Hollywood royalty, reminding us once again why Penélope Cruz remains Spain’s most internationally celebrated actress.
© Getty ImagesA Classic Beauty Look with Hollywood Glamour
To complement the gown’s commanding silhouette, the Chanel ambassador made beauty choices that were every bit as bold as they were spot-on. By leaving her neckline and collarbones completely bare, she allowed a spectacular pair of oversized Pasquale Bruni diamond earrings featuring cascading floral motifs to take center stage, perfectly matched with the ring on her right hand.
© Getty ImagesFor this grand finale, she embraced the most seductive kind of classic glamour in her makeup: bold, passion-red lips flawlessly coordinated with her manicure, creating the perfect contrast against her signature smoky eye. Her hair, styled with a deep side part and loose, natural waves, also highlighted her new blonde highlights, strategically placed to brighten and sculpt her features.
© Getty ImagesA Historic Night for Spanish Cinema
© Corbis via Getty ImagesThis majestic, theatrical look served as the perfect finishing touch to a historic edition of Cannes for the Spanish delegation. If the overwhelming 20-minute standing ovation following the screening of La bola negra had already signaled unprecedented success for the cast, which includes Miguel Bernardeau, Guitarricadelafuente, and Glenn Close among others, then the gown Penélope chose for tonight was nothing short of a statement of intent.
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