Ashhar Alam/New Delhi

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s absence from L’Oréal Paris’ latest Cannes promotional posters has triggered a wave of discussion on social media, with fans questioning why the long-time brand ambassador was not featured alongside newer global faces.

Ahead of the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, L’Oréal Paris unveiled a promotional video showcasing its global ambassadors displayed across the facade of Hotel Martinez in France. The campaign featured celebrities such as Alia Bhatt, Viola Davis, Eva Longoria and Helen Mirren, but notably did not include Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who has been associated with the brand since 2003.

The omission quickly became a talking point online, especially in India where Aishwarya remains closely linked with L’Oréal’s Cannes presence. The actor has been a regular at the festival since 2002 as part of the brand’s global representation.

Social media users expressed disappointment and confusion, with many asking the brand to continue celebrating the actor’s longstanding association. One user even questioned her absence directly on L’Oréal’s official post, prompting a response from the company.

Replying to the criticism, L’Oréal Paris emphasized Aishwarya’s enduring presence at Cannes over the years, stating, “Year after year, Cannes after Cannes. She never misses.” However, the clarification did little to settle the debate, with users continuing to ask why she was not part of the latest promotional visuals.

In another interaction, when a fan referred to Aishwarya as the “queen of Cannes,” the brand described her as “timeless and completely herself,” reaffirming her iconic status within the L’Oréal family.

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The conversation comes as L’Oréal prepares for its red carpet showcase at the opening of the 79th Cannes Film Festival, where actor Alia Bhatt is among those representing India this year. Despite the online chatter, expectations remain that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will once again make her presence felt at Cannes, continuing her long-standing association with the global beauty brand.