The 2026 Cannes Film Festival has barely begun, and it is already mired in a major social media controversy involving two of India’s biggest global ambassadors. The beauty giant L’Oreal Paris, a long-standing partner of the festival, recently released a promotional video showcasing the iconic Hotel Martinez in Cannes decorated with massive posters of its brand ambassadors. While international stars like Viola Davis, Eva Longoria, and Helen Mirren were prominently displayed, the spotlight from the Indian contingent was given exclusively to Alia Bhatt. This move immediately triggered a massive wave of backlash from fans of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who have accused the brand of “snubbing” and “sidelining” the veteran actress despite her being the face of the brand at Cannes for over two decades. Aishwarya, who joined the L’Oreal family in 2004, is widely regarded as the “OG Queen of Cannes,” and her absence from the initial promotional rollout has sparked a heated “Legend vs. Newcomer” debate online.
Fans took to Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) to voice their displeasure, with many arguing that Aishwarya’s presence is what made the brand a household name across India and Asia. Some users called the omission an “erasure of a legacy,” pointing out that while Alia Bhatt is a powerhouse performer and a relatively new global ambassador, she cannot yet match the “international aura” and timeless grace that Aishwarya has brought to the French Riviera for 23 years. The comments section of the brand’s official page was flooded with questions like “Where is Aishwarya?” and “Why ignore the legend?” Critics even suggested that the brand is aggressively pivoting toward a “Gen Z aesthetic” at the expense of its most loyal and recognizable face. The digital divide became even more apparent as supporters of Alia Bhatt celebrated her prominent feature, while Aishwarya loyalists argued that the brand’s strategy felt like a forced “passing of the torch” that audiences aren’t ready to accept.
Amidst the growing storm, reports suggest that L’Oreal attempted a bit of damage control by releasing a subsequent video that briefly featured Aishwarya on the red carpet, but for many, the initial perceived slight was already done. Despite the online friction between fan clubs, both Alia Bhatt and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan are confirmed to represent the brand at the festival this year. Alia has already arrived in Cannes, making heads turn in a tailored blazer look, while Aishwarya is expected to make her grand appearance later in the week. The brand maintains that its 2026 theme focuses on “confidence and empowerment,” though the current social media climate remains heavily focused on the perceived hierarchy between its Indian stars. As the festival enters its most glamorous days, all eyes will be on the red carpet to see how both actresses handle the intense scrutiny and whether the brand will manage to balance the spotlight between the rising star and the enduring icon.
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