For its 78th edition, the Cannes Film Festival has been granted a new legal status in terms of security. A decree published in April 2025 sets out unprecedented restrictions on access to sensitive areas of the festival. The aim is to respond to a more tense security situation and prevent any risks.

Special status for a tense situation

Decree No. 2025-353 of 17 April 2025 classifies the Cannes Film Festival as a ‘major event’ within the meaning of the Internal Security Code. This is a first for this iconic cultural event. The decision comes at a time of heightened vigilance, marked by a persistent terrorist threat and the need to secure venues hosting prominent figures.

It strengthens the powers of the Prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes, who will now have to give prior approval to authorise access to certain sites (Palais des Festivals, hotels, private beaches, etc.) to anyone other than the general public.

A new procedure for accredited persons

All professionals, service providers and exhibitors accessing the sites defined by the decree must undergo an individual administrative investigation, as provided for in Articles R. 211-32 to R. 211-34 of the Internal Security Code. This investigation verifies that there is no threat to public order or state security, based on the list of wanted persons and the list of alerts for the prevention of radicalisation.

In practical terms, organisers must submit a request for a named opinion to the prefect for each person concerned, with the information necessary for the investigation (full identity, role, period of presence, etc.).

A late but strategic deadline

It is important to note that this procedure can be carried out until the last day of the festival, 24 May 2025. This extended deadline is due to the evolving nature of the event: speakers change, some guests or service providers are confirmed late, and the prefect must be able to decide on access at any time.

This flexible but rigorous system aims to reconcile responsiveness and security, while adapting to the logistical complexity of the festival. It could set a precedent for other large-scale cultural events.

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