After 12 Years, Emma Watson Makes a Stylish Comeback to Cannes

Emma Watson returned to the 78th Annual Cannes Film Festival on May 21, 2025, after a 12-year hiatus.

For her appearance, she wore the perfect summer picnic outfit, comprised of a white-and-red plaid smock dress.

Watson was seen arriving in Nice, France, on May 20, 2025, in a black cardigan and white floral skirt.

It only took 12 years, but Emma Watson has made her grand return to the 78th Annual Cannes Film Festival. In addition to gracing the world with her lovely presence, she served up the ultimate summer picnic outfit inspiration.

The Harry Potter alum was spotted arriving at the Palais des Festival today in a breezy, Pinterest-worthy frock. The centerpiece in question was a white-and-red plaid smock dress that featured a drop waist and flowy maxi skirt. She gave the dress a western flair via tan suede boots with a black toe. A white purse with a long chain handle, tortoise-shell sunglasses, and a black beaded bracelet completed the ensemble.

As for beauty, the 35-year-old styled her chestnut-colored locks in a half-up, half-down 'do with a deep side part. She appeared to be wearing minimal makeup.

Yesterday, Watson was seen arriving at Nice Airport in an outfit that fittingly looked very French. Her ladies-who-lunch look was comprised of a black cardigan that featured small pearl-hued buttons and a scalloped hem, along with a semi-sheer floral maxi skirt. As for accents, she opted for shiny black ballet flats, a large black leather tote bag, dark square-frame shades, and a dainty chain necklace. This time, she wore her hair down and natural, yet again with a side part, and glammed up with rosy cheeks, a strawberry-pink lip, and a red manicure.

Watson's skirt was quite the callback to her 2013 Cannes debut, the one and only other time she has attended the festival. Then, while making an appearance on the Le Grand Journal, the actress wore a classy semi-sheer white floral blouse that featured three-quarter length sleeves. She paired it simply with a black miniskirt and wore her hair in a side braid.

The day before, she made quite an entrance at The Bling Ring premiere. Watson, who was 23 at the time, waltzed across the red carpet in an elegant column gown. The dress featured a black sequin-covered bodice, sweetheart neckline, spaghetti straps, creamy-white skirt, and floor-sweeping train. She styled her caramel-colored locks in a sophisticated updo and glammed up with clean, rosy makeup, including fluttery eyelashes, a touch of blush, and glossy lips.