Cannes 2016 Redux: The Iconic Jewelry & Designer Shoes That Defined the Palais

The red carpet at the Palais des Festivals has long been the ultimate stage for high-fashion synergy, where couture gowns meet the world’s most exquisite high jewelry.

Looking back at the 69th Cannes Film Festival in May 2016, the event served as a masterclass in accessorizing, proving that the right statement piece can elevate a look from simple glamour to cinematic history.

From heritage diamonds to bold, colorful gemstones, the jewelry at Cannes 2016 didn’t just complement the outfits—it defined them.

Beyond the spectacular necklaces and earrings, we also kept a close eye on the footwear that grounded these ethereal looks, as the choice of heels often dictates the silhouette and grace of a red-carpet walk. Here, we revisit the most iconic jewelry and accessory moments that continue to inspire red-carpet style today.

1. Anna Kendrick in Bulgari Divas’ Dream Diamonds: Yellow Stella McCartney & Brian Atwood Heels

Anna Kendrick was shining on the red carpet in a bright yellow Stella McCartney gown, styled with a Bulgari Divas’ Dream necklace and matching earrings.

Anna Kendrick glows in a vibrant yellow Stella McCartney gown at the Café Society opening gala at the 69th Cannes Film Festival, her elegant silhouette finished with Bulgari jewelry and barely glimpsed Brian Atwood heels beneath the sweeping hem on May 11, 2016 (Credit: Dave Bedrosian / Future Image / WENN / Euan Cherry)

Kendrick walked the red carpet with “Trolls” co-star Justin Timberlake at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France. She paired her dress with Brian Atwood shoes.

Anna Kendrick accessorized with a Bulgari Divas’ Dream white gold and diamond necklace, with matching drop earrings and ring

2. Cheryl Cole in De Grisogono Opal Chandelier Earrings: A Beaded Naeem Khan Showstopper

Cheryl Cole chose an outstanding, vibrant Naeem Khan gown featuring gorgeous, intricate beading and embroidery. She accessorized with a playful but luxe set of De Grisogono chandelier earrings.

Cheryl Cole in a Naeem Khan embroidered sweetheart gown at the red carpet screening of “Slack Bay” during the 69th Cannes Film Festival on May 13, 2016 (Credit: Dave Bedrosian / Future Image / WENN / Euan Cherry)

The L’Oréal Paris ambassador beamed on the red carpet in her colorful gown.

Cheryl Cole wears soft pink opal chandelier earrings with glossy berry lipstick, her sleek pulled-back hair and glowing makeup letting the statement jewelry take center stage on the red carpet

Cole’s matching pink lipstick further added to her radiance on the red carpet.

The chandelier earrings shimmer with 18 soft pink opals and 258 diamonds, their layered drops catching the light against a sleek, pulled-back hairstyle on the red carpet

3. Jessica Chastain in a Multi-Layered Piaget Diamond Necklace with Alexander McQueen Couture

Jessica Chastain stuns in an Alexander McQueen Fall 2016 crystal-embellished gown, styled with elegant Brian Atwood heels and Piaget jewelry at the Money Monster premiere during the 69th Cannes Film Festival on May 12, 2016 (Credit: Dave Bedrosian / Future Image / WENN / Euan Cherry)

The gorgeous Jessica Chastain tried her hand at the popular nude dress trend and looked so elegant in her Alexander McQueen Surreal Diamante hand-embroidered tulle gown paired with towering Brian Atwood heels.

Jessica Chastain is seen in profile at Cannes, her softly waved bob and delicate diamond necklace complementing the intricate crystal embroidery of her Alexander McQueen gown

The Molly’s Game actress wore a multi-layered Piaget diamond necklace from the High Jewellery collection to add a touch more sparkle to her glam look.

Facing the cameras, Jessica Chastain smiles as the layered diamond strands and sculptural detailing of her McQueen dress sparkle under the red-carpet lights

4. Victoria Beckham in Chopard Diamonds With Tailored Tuxedo Dressing

While Victoria Beckham opted out of a ball gown for the formal event, she still managed to pull off sophistication with a tailored pantsuit ensemble styled with Gianvito Rossi heels and a drool-worthy array of Chopard diamonds.

She proudly showed off her diamond bracelet and an 8.88-carat diamond ring on the red carpet.

Victoria Beckham grounds her Fall 2016 tuxedo-style bustier and high-waisted trousers with sleek black Gianvito Rossi suede pumps at the Café Society premiere and opening ceremony of the 69th Cannes Film Festival on May 11, 2016 (Credit: Dave Bedrosian / Future Image / WENN / Euan Cherry)

The former Spice Girl is no stranger to the city on the French Riviera, which regularly plays host to premieres, star-studded parties, and special screenings.

Victoria Beckham shows off her diamond bracelet and an 8.88-carat diamond ring

5. Julia Roberts in Chopard Diamond & Emerald High Jewelry at Cannes 2016

Julia Roberts completed her black Armani Privé off-the-shoulder gown with a striking Chopard diamond-and-emerald necklace totaling 52.76 carats.

Julia Roberts in a black Armani Privè off-the-shoulder pleated chiffon gown at the ‘Money Monster’ premiere during the 69th annual Cannes Film Festival at the Palais des Festivals on May 12, 2016, in Cannes, France (Credit: Dave Bedrosian/Future Image/WENN/Euan Cherry)

At the Money Monster premiere during the 69th Cannes Film Festival on May 12, 2016, she made headlines by walking the red carpet barefoot, a moment that quickly became one of the festival’s most talked-about statements.

Julia Roberts smiles on the Cannes red carpet in an off-the-shoulder black gown, her emerald drop necklace glowing vividly against the dark silhouette

Roberts furthered her relationship with Chopard by fronting the luxury jeweler’s campaign for its Happy Sport watch collection in 2021.

With softly tousled waves and a radiant expression, Julia Roberts showcases a striking emerald-and-diamond necklace that becomes the focal point of her classic black Cannes look

6. Bella Hadid in a De Grisogono Diamond Choker With Roberto Cavalli Couture

Wearing Stuart Weitzman’s iconic Nudist sandals with a showstopping nude-colored Roberto Cavalli couture gown, Bella Hadid showed sophistication with a dash of fierceness. We absolutely love her De Grisogono diamond choker!

Bella Hadid wears a Roberto Cavalli Fall 2016 gown styled with De Grisogono diamond jewelry and Stuart Weitzman Platinum Noir Nudist sandals at the Café Society premiere and opening ceremony of the 69th Cannes Film Festival on May 11, 2016 (Credit: Dave Bedrosian / Future Image / WENN / Euan Cherry)

She also wore a De Grisogono bracelet to complete her look.

Bella Hadid commands attention on the Cannes red carpet, her sleek updo and nude-toned gown spotlighting a bold De Grisogono diamond choker that frames her neckline with modern edge

More Cannes Shoe Moments That Defined the Red Carpet—Then and Now

While Cannes 2016 delivered unforgettable jewelry and accessory statements, the festival’s red carpet has continued to evolve in the years since. From modern premieres to recent fashion-forward moments, footwear remains the quiet force shaping silhouette, stature, and red-carpet presence.

Below, we revisit standout Cannes shoe moments from across multiple years—each one reinforcing how the right heels can anchor even the most headline-making looks.