A major online controversy has erupted ahead of the 2026 Cannes Film Festival after fans noticed that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was missing from L’Oreal Paris’ official promotional posters at Hotel Martinez. Despite her 23-year association with the brand and the festival, her image was notably absent from the lineup featuring newer ambassadors like Alia Bhatt.
The “Queen of Cannes” Missing?
The backlash began when Hotel Martinez shared a video of the giant posters adorning its facade. While the display included stars such as Alia Bhatt, Viola Davis, Eva Longoria, and Helen Mirren, the “OG Queen” of the French Riviera was nowhere to be seen.
Social Media Reaction:
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Legacy vs. New Faces: Fans flooded the brand’s Instagram comments, with one user stating, “The poster doesn’t feature a legend like Aishwarya, who made the L’Oreal brand popular across the entire Asian continent, but instead highlights actresses who are just two days old!”
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Calls for Accountability: Many fans accused the brand of “ignoring the icon” who brought them global fame in India and Asia, demanding an explanation for her exclusion from the campaign visuals.
L’Oreal’s Response: “She Never Misses”
As the criticism intensified, L’Oreal Paris attempted damage control through its official social media handles.
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Official Statement: Replying to fans, the brand wrote: “Year after year, Cannes after Cannes. She never misses.”
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The “Living Legend”: In further interactions, the brand referred to Aishwarya as a “living legend” and “timeless,” reaffirming her status within the L’Oreal family.
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Confirmation of Attendance: The brand also clarified that India will be represented by three global ambassadors this year: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Alia Bhatt, and Aditi Rao Hydari.
Will Aishwarya Walk the Red Carpet?
Despite the poster snub, reports confirm that Aishwarya is expected to attend the 2026 festival later this month. This will mark her 23rd appearance at the prestigious event since her debut in 2002.
Meanwhile, Alia Bhatt has already been spotted at Nice Airport, arriving in an all-black structured Carolina Herrera look for her second consecutive year as a global ambassador. While the new generation has arrived, the digital outcry proves that for many, Cannes doesn’t truly begin until Aishwarya Rai Bachchan makes her iconic walk down the red carpet.
