Close
newsletters Newsletters
X Instagram Youtube

Cannes 2026: Hande Ercel among most talked-about Turkish stars

Hande Ercel shares moments from her Cannes Film Festival appearance in Cannes, France, May 14, 2026. (Photo via Instagram/@handemiyy)
Photo
BigPhoto
Hande Ercel shares moments from her Cannes Film Festival appearance in Cannes, France, May 14, 2026. (Photo via Instagram/@handemiyy)
May 18, 2026 01:25 PM GMT+03:00

Turkish actresses became a major talking point at the 79th Cannes Film Festival, as several well-known names appeared on the red carpet in looks that drew wide attention on social media.

Among the stars—Hande Ercel, Demet Ozdemir, Gulsum Ali, Sumeyye Aydogan, Melisa Asli Pamuk and Ozgu Namal—the most discussed name of the night was 47-year-old Ozgu Namal, whose elegant and understated appearance stood out.

Turkish actress Ozgu Namal poses during an appearance at the 79th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 14, 2026. (Photo via Instagram/@ozgunamal)
Turkish actress Ozgu Namal poses during an appearance at the 79th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 14, 2026. (Photo via Instagram/@ozgunamal)

All eyes on Ozgu Namal

Namal attended Cannes along with the team behind the film “Sari Zarflar,” riding the wave of the movie's recent Golden Bear triumph at the Berlin International Film Festival. She appeared on the red carpet in a strapless dress in earthy tones, completing the look with loose natural hair and simple accessories.

Her appearance drew praise online, where many users said she had “outshone younger stars.” Her calm poses and natural style helped make her one of the most talked-about Turkish names of the evening.

Turkish actress Hande Ercel poses ahead of an appearance during the 79th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 14, 2026. (Photo via Instagram/@handemiyy)
Turkish actress Hande Ercel poses ahead of an appearance during the 79th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 14, 2026. (Photo via Instagram/@handemiyy)

Hande Ercel, Demet Ozdemir keep up Cannes attention

Hande Ercel, who has become a regular presence at international events, walked the Cannes red carpet for the third time. Her gold-toned fitted dress, natural makeup and bold jewelry choice made her stand out among others.

Turkish actress Demet Ozdemir poses on the red carpet during the 79th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 2026. (Photo via Instagram/@demetozdemir)
Turkish actress Demet Ozdemir poses on the red carpet during the 79th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 2026. (Photo via Instagram/@demetozdemir)

Demet Ozdemir, currently drawing attention with the series “Esref Ruya,” chose an elegant white dress. Her look was described as graceful, and she was listed among the best-dressed Turkish actresses on the red carpet.

Turkish actress Sumeyye Aydogan poses on the red carpet during the 79th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 16, 2026. (Photo via Instagram/@sumeyyeaydogan_)
Turkish actress Sumeyye Aydogan poses on the red carpet during the 79th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 16, 2026. (Photo via Instagram/@sumeyyeaydogan_)

Other Turkish names bring different styles

Sumeyye Aydogan appeared in a bold red dress, though reactions to her look were divided on social media. Some users found the style too ordinary, while others said it highlighted her natural beauty.

Turkish actress Gulsim Ali poses on the red carpet during the 79th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 14, 2026. (Photo via Instagram/@gyulsim)
Turkish actress Gulsim Ali poses on the red carpet during the 79th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 14, 2026. (Photo via Instagram/@gyulsim)

Gulsum Ali preferred a simple and minimal look, which drew attention but was also seen by some fashion commentators as a safe choice.

Turkish actress Melisa Asli Pamuk Yazici poses on the red carpet during the 79th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 14, 2026. (Photo via Instagram/@melisapamuk)
Turkish actress Melisa Asli Pamuk Yazici poses on the red carpet during the 79th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 14, 2026. (Photo via Instagram/@melisapamuk)

Melisa Asli Pamuk Yazici, who has been away from screens for some time, appeared in a dark green strapless fishtail dress and received praise from followers for her elegant appearance.

May 18, 2026 01:25 PM GMT+03:00
More From Türkiye Today