Cannes 2026: Fans Question Aishwarya Rai's Absence As Big Beauty Brand Unveils Posters

Posters for L'Oreal Paris at Cannes 2026 have triggered debate online, as internet users spot that global brand ambassador Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is not featured. Many Indian fans argue that the long-time face of the brand should appear alongside the other showcased celebrities.

L'Oreal Paris is serving as the official makeup partner for the Festival de Cannes 2026. The brand highlighted its role on the festival website, stating, "From May 12th to 23rd, we celebrate the artistry, elegance, and empowerment that define beauty, both on and off the red carpet."

L'Oreal Paris Cannes 2026 posters spark debate

To mark Cannes 2026, L'Oreal Paris released a promotional video showing large posters draped across the Hotel Martinez facade. The visuals include Alia Bhatt, Viola Davis, Eva Longoria and Helen Mirren, among others, presented at the luxury property often used by visiting celebrities during the festival.

The caption with the video on Instagram read, "And... action! The most iconic facade in Cannes is getting its festival look. @martinezhotel is officially dressed in L'Oreal Paris." Viewers soon questioned why Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was absent from the lineup showcased on the building.

Fans react to L'Oreal Paris Cannes 2026 lineup

One social media user wrote, "Where is Aishwarya Rai Bachchan?" Another comment noted that a large number of people in the thread were raising the same issue about the Ponniyin Selvan actor not being included in the promotional display for Cannes 2026.

A commenter argued, "New faces may come, but you can't replace the OG Aishwarya. Even you know her worth." Another Instagram user felt the brand appeared to be favouring Alia Bhatt over Aishwarya, and claimed that without the Ae Dil Hai Mushkil star, the label meant little to many Indian buyers.

A further response pointed out that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has represented L'Oreal Paris for more than two decades and played a key part in its reach in India. The commenter added, "Imagine the star power she holds, but you guys are treating her very badly in recent years," while another user requested that the brand add Aishwarya Rai's image to the existing posters.

Aspect	Detail
Event	Festival de Cannes 2026
Official partner	L'Oreal Paris (makeup partner)
Poster faces shown	Alia Bhatt, Viola Davis, Eva Longoria, Helen Mirren, others
Long-time ambassador missing	Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Alongside the poster conversation, L'Oreal Paris is preparing to mark the sixth anniversary of the Lights On Women's Worth Award at Cannes 2026. While some questioned Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's absence, Alia Bhatt's supporters praised the visuals, and the Heart of Stone actor shared the brand's video on an Instagram Story before reportedly leaving for the French Riviera.