For more than two decades, seeing Aishwarya Rai Bachchan on the Cannes red carpet with L'Oréal Paris has almost felt like an annual tradition. From dramatic gowns to regal sarees, bold makeup looks to unforgettable red carpet moments, the actor has built a reputation as one of Cannes’ most recognisable Indian faces.

So when L’Oréal Paris unveiled its latest Cannes campaign and Aishwarya was nowhere to be seen, fans noticed immediately.

Ahead of the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, L’Oréal Paris shared a promotional video on Instagram featuring the iconic Hotel Martinez decked out for the festival.

The clip showed giant posters of the brand’s global ambassadors being unveiled across the venue. Among those featured were Alia Bhatt, Viola Davis, Eva Longoria and Helen Mirren.

But fans quickly pointed out that Aishwarya, one of the brand’s longest-serving ambassadors and arguably its most iconic Cannes face in India, was missing from the campaign visuals.

And social media wasted no time reacting.

‘L’Oréal needs Aishwarya more’

The comment section of L’Oréal’s Instagram post soon turned into a flood of questions from disappointed fans.

“It is shocking to see Alia’s face there and not Aishwarya Rai’s..a legend who’s been a brand ambassador for two decades. Very sad,” one user wrote.

Another commented, “What is this ??? where is Aishwarya Rai poster??”

One comment that gained attention read, “L’Oréal needs Aishwarya more than Aishwarya needs L’Oréal.”

Another user questioned the brand directly, writing, “What happened L’Oreal? Did you forget the way she raised your brand in India?”

Hundreds of similar comments asking “Where is Aishwarya?” soon filled the post.

Alia Bhatt’s growing presence at Cannes

While many fans expressed disappointment over Aishwarya’s absence, others celebrated Alia Bhatt’s appearance in the campaign.

This marks Alia’s second consecutive year as a Global Ambassador for L’Oréal Paris, and her growing visibility in the Cannes campaign appears to signal a shift in focus towards newer faces.

Still, not everyone seems ready for that transition.

Several fans urged the brand not to overlook Aishwarya’s long-standing association with Cannes and L’Oréal, pointing out that she has represented the company on the global stage for more than 20 years.

Over the years, Aishwarya’s Cannes appearances have become headline moments of their own, whether for her elaborate couture gowns, experimental beauty looks or memorable saree appearances on the red carpet.

Cannes 2026 underway

The 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival officially began on May 12, 2026, and will continue until May 23, 2026.