Barefoot Protests & Power Pumps: Julia Roberts, Eva Longoria, and Susan Sarandon’s Black Gown Masterclass

While red carpet trends cycle through neon hues and avant-garde silhouettes, the power of a monochromatic moment remains the ultimate fashion constant.

Few instances illustrate this better than the 2016 Cannes Film Festival, where the “Money Monster” premiere became a masterclass in timeless style—and a silent stage for footwear rebellion.

On that May evening in the South of France, three icons demonstrated the versatility of the classic black gown.

From a legendary act of barefoot defiance to sculpted mermaid silhouettes, these outfits worn by Julia Roberts, Eva Longoria, and Susan Sarandon at the Palais des Festivals are the definitive blueprint for gala glamour.

1. Julia Roberts’ Barefoot Rebellion: Defying Cannes’ High-Heel Policy in Armani Privé

Julia Roberts in an exquisite off-the-shoulder black Giorgio Armani Privé gown at the ‘Money Monster’ premiere during the 2016 Cannes Film Festival at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes on May 12, 2016 (Credit: WENN / Euan Cherry / Dave Bedrosian / Future Image)

Julia Roberts looked every bit the glamorous actress in her Armani Privé gown, featuring a draped off-the-shoulder neckline, ruched detailing, and a flowing, floor-length skirt.

At one point, Julia removed her shoes and made a strong statement by going barefoot on the red carpet.

Stepping onto the Money Monster red carpet at Cannes, Julia Roberts quietly defied convention by removing her heels and ascending the steps barefoot, turning a simple gesture into a lasting fashion statement (Credit: INFphoto)

On Your Next Shoes, some of the most unforgettable red-carpet moments happen when celebrities ditch their heels entirely. Shailene Woodley famously went barefoot at the ‘Divergent’ Berlin premiere after deciding she’d had enough of her heels, turning comfort into a headline-making style choice.

At Cannes, Kristen Stewart slipped off her painful Christian Louboutin ‘So Kate’ pumps and walked barefoot on the red carpet, delivering a modern twist on festival footwear “rules.”

And in a classic awards-season rebellion, Emma Thompson made headlines for going barefoot on stage at the Golden Globes—then doubled down on comfort by embracing flats on the red carpet.

Initially shielded by the gown’s floor-length hem in the paparazzi’s early snapshots, Julia Roberts’ feet remained hidden (Credit: WENN / Euan Cherry / Dave Bedrosian / Future Image)

The American actress was all smiles on the red carpet, accessorized with a striking Chopard necklace featuring a large emerald.

Julia Roberts’ ensemble for the occasion was a striking black gown from Armani Privé, perfectly complemented by elegant jewelry from Chopard (Credit: WENN / Euan Cherry / Dave Bedrosian / Future Image)

In 2015, several women were turned away from the Cannes Film Festival red carpet for not wearing high heels. This sparked a controversy, with many people arguing that the festival’s dress code was sexist and discriminatory.

Julia Roberts adorned herself in an off-the-shoulder black pleated chiffon gown featuring a short V-neckline (Credit: WENN / Euan Cherry / Dave Bedrosian / Future Image)

Julia Roberts’ decision to go barefoot on the red carpet was a way to protest this unfair rule. She wanted to show that women should not be forced to wear uncomfortable shoes to be considered fashionable or professional.

Julia Roberts’ hairstyle consisted of center-parted layered waves, completing her overall look (Credit: WENN / Euan Cherry / Dave Bedrosian / Future Image)

2. Eva Longoria Masters the Mermaid Silhouette in Embellished Pamella Roland

Eva Longoria showcased her bare décolletage and toned arms and shoulders, radiating an air of graceful sensuality at the ‘Money Monster’ premiere during the 2016 Cannes Film Festival at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes on May 12, 2016 (Credit: WENN / Euan Cherry / Dave Bedrosian / Future Image)

The gorgeous Eva Longoria showed off her Latina curves in a figure-hugging Pamella Roland black gown with a strapless neckline and mermaid silhouette, accentuating her enviable physique.

Eva Longoria exuded an exquisite and typically alluring aura, showcasing her petite curves in a timeless black dress with an elongated fishtail hemline (Credit: WENN / Euan Cherry / Dave Bedrosian / Future Image)

The glamorous dress featured heavy embellishments on the bodice and back, adding a subtle twist to the classic look.

Eva Longoria’s strapless creation, skillfully crafted by Pamella Roland, beautifully complemented her hourglass silhouette (Credit: WENN / Euan Cherry / Dave Bedrosian / Future Image)

Eva finished the look with sexy curls and a beautiful Messika diamond necklace.

The upper portion of Eva Longoria’s dress, reminiscent of a corset-style design, featured a gracefully curved neckline that modestly obscured her generous cleavage, hinting at its presence while retaining an air of sophistication (Credit: WENN / Euan Cherry / Dave Bedrosian / Future Image)

3. Susan Sarandon’s Edgy Elegance: A Thigh-High Slit Tuxedo Dress & Pointed-Toe Pumps

Susan Sarandon exudes confidence in a chic black tuxedo-inspired gown with gold buttons, paired with stylish sunglasses at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival (Credit: WENN / Euan Cherry / Dave Bedrosian / Future Image)

At 69, Susan Sarandon continues to command attention effortlessly. The iconic star of “Thelma and Louise” exuded confidence in a black tuxedo dress that showcased cleavage and a generous glimpse of leg.

Susan Sarandon’s tailored black tuxedo gown featured a daring thigh-high slit that revealed sleek pointed-toe black pumps, underscoring her confident, rule-bending elegance at the Money Monster premiere during the 2016 Cannes Film Festival on May 12, 2016 (Credit: WENN / Euan Cherry / Dave Bedrosian / Future Image)

While such a daring ensemble might have been overwhelming for some, Susan defies expectations by seamlessly owning the bold look. Her innate elegance remains undiminished.

Susan’s choice of accessories perfectly complemented her ensemble’s edgy charm. She adorned herself with a chic pair of sunglasses that added a touch of cool sophistication.

Susan Sarandon’s gown featured prominent gold buttons that imbued the outfit with an opulent touch, enhancing its visual appeal

The Ultimate Shoe Files: More Unforgettable Footwear from Roberts, Longoria, and Sarandon

While the Money Monster premiere cemented the enduring power of the black gown—and Julia Roberts’ unforgettable barefoot statement—it was far from the only time these actresses used footwear to shape their red-carpet narratives.

From towering heels and sculptural flatforms to rebellious flats and menswear-inspired oxfords, Julia Roberts, Eva Longoria, and Susan Sarandon have each built a distinct shoe identity that extends well beyond Cannes. Explore more of their most memorable shoe-forward fashion moments below.