Each year the Cannes Film Festival sees the French Riviera turn into one big red carpet teeming with scantily clad stars using sartorial statements to promote their latest films.

The Festival’s Opening Gala took place on Wednesday in Cannes, with celebrities donning their finery to attend a premiere screening of the French drama, Ismael’s Ghosts, starring Marion Cotillard.

While the film was panned by those in attendance as “atrocious”, the red carpet style managed to make up for the movie’s shortcomings.

Slinky, figure-hugging gowns were the clear favourite on the red carpet, as everyone from 20-year-old model Bella Hadid to 70-year-old actress Susan Sarandon left little to the imagination.

Here are the best and worst looks from the annual event’s first night.

Best dressed

Uma Thurman: She’s had plenty of memorable red carpet moments, but it’s possible the 47-year-old actor has never looked more radiant than she does in this Versace gown.

Susan Sarandon: Never one to shy away from an opportunity to show some cleavage, Sarandon, 70, is stunning in this deep emerald velvet gown that complements her fiery hair and her, ahem, ample assets.

Bella Hadid: The model stole the spotlight at last year’s festival when she arrived in a plunging red gown. And this year she managed to do it again – in a corseted pale pink frock with a slit that led to an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction. Regardless, the simplicity of the gown paired with a sparkling sapphire necklace is the epitome of glamour.

Sara Sampaio: It’s not hard for a Victoria’s Secret model to look good, but Portuguese-born Sampaio deserves some credit for choosing this fairytale ballgown from designer Zuhair Murad.

Elle Fanning: Always elegant, 19-year-old Fanning (the younger sister of Dakota) possesses poise and style beyond her years. This Vivienne Westwood gown perfectly suits the occasion, but also manages to retain some youthfulness with its playful illustrated train.

Worst dressed

Naomie Harris: This would be perfect for a five-year-old’s fairy-themed birthday party. But not Cannes, Naomie.

Emily Ratajkowski: Despite the faux fringe and the extreme bling, there’s something painfully blah about this nude number.

Lily-Rose Depp: Take away the gold detail and this is just an oversized t-shirt.

Jessica Chastain: Typically flawless, Chastain looks perfect from the neck up, but the heavily embroidered bodice of this Alexander McQueen dress is too busy and unflattering, even on her tiny frame.

Marion Cotillard: The French star always pushes the boundaries, but this pinstriped corset dress looks more like a hired Halloween costume than high fashion.