On 12 May the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival begins, and Spanish actresses are once again up to set the red carpet alight. Among the confirmed names this year are Vicky Luengo with two film premieres, and Penelope Cruz - the latter never goes anywhere without leaving a mark on the world's most photographed 50 metres of fabric.

The Cannes carpet isn't fashion. It's a signal. Who wears which designer, who doesn't show up, who appears with which partner - all those photographs are more politics than trendsetting. And in the last seven years, twelve Spanish women have delivered their defining moments.

Iba Abouk in 2024 wore aquamarine tulle with a dramatic train and jewellery by Messika. Paz Vega surprised the press with an XXL white bow by Nicolas Jebran. Elsa Pataky chose black satin from Armani Privé - a safe, underrated play. Marta Lozano, the youngest - a pale-pink creation by Redondo Brand. These 12 moments show that Spanish actresses haven't been „guests" at Cannes for a long time - they are part of the deck.

The season's climax for us, Balkans, is still Penelope Cruz. Her 2019 appearance in a Chanel dress with a blue floral print on a white base became the benchmark for how to do effortless elegance. It doesn't have to be shocking - it has to be unrepeatable.

What will we see at the 79th festival? Vicky Luengo's premieres will mark the first big push for young Spanish acting talent. Georgina Rodriguez is there almost every year, if not as an actress then as a brand presence. Cannes is no longer only for the big stars - it's also for the designers selling to them, and they count in millions.

For the Balkan public, Cannes is a mirror to this industry of appearance. How many dresses are made for one carpet? How many hours of work? How much jewellery on loan? And finally - does any of them have time to pick it herself? The questions are open. The answers are hidden between 12 names on the list and seven years of photographs.