Cannes Film Festival 2016: Blake Lively leads the fashion pack at Cafe Society premiere

There were wall-to-wall celebrities as the 69th Cannes Film Festival took over the French Riviera for the annual festival of film. The illustrious roll call of celebrities who donned their best frocks for the opening film, Woody Allen's Cafe Society, included the stars of cinema, the fashion world and music as the A list converged on the famed Palais des Festivals et des Congrès for a night of show-stopping glamour.

Cafe Society star Blake Lively set the standard as she glided across the red carpet in a figure hugging nude gown with sheer cut-outs and chiffon skirt with a dramatic train. The glowing actress who is pregnant with her second child with husband Ryan Reynolds, showed off the merest hint of a baby bump as she pose with her co-stars Kristin Stewart and Jesse Eisenberg and director Woody Allen.

The 80-year-old director was flanked by his cast for the screening of his 49th movie. Kristen Stewart stood out on the red carpet as she showcased her characteristically edgy style, sporting her newly platinum blonde hair and a daring sheer top with well-placed pockets and a flattering full skirt.

In contrast Jurassic World star Jessica Chastain stuck with convention, playing it safe with a figure-hugging strapless yellow gown in the spirit of old Hollywood.

Cannes veteran Eva Longoria, did her best to change things up as she made her entrance on the red carpet in a striking white and pale gold dress with beaded detail on the bodice.

An unexpected arrival was British designer Victoria Beckham who made a style statement on the croisette all her own. The former Spice Girl, known as Posh, went one better than the rest, looking comfortable and sharp in a strapless black bustier with white trim, matched with high-waisted trousers.

The 42-year-old, who channelled her masculine side midst a sea of feminine gowns, even managed to crack a smile – well almost.

She wasn't the only one who suited up for the evening. Susan Sarandon went for masculine chic in what looked like a man's suit. And while the actress is known for defying convention when it comes to fashion, the suited look worked a little better for Justin Timberlake.

Donning his suit and tie for the glamorous event the always smooth and stylish pop star, who recently attended the TV Baftas in London, was accompanied by Trolls co-star Anna Kendrick.

Another veteran actress who dares to be different on the red carpet was Julianne Moore. The Oscar winner went goth in a gown adorned with a striking silver and gold cobra design and a dramatic sheer skirt.

Of course as film and fashion coincide, there was the usual presence of the superstars of the catwalk including Bella Hadid, Doutzen Kroues and Lily Donaldson. 19-year-old Bella looked flawless in a dramatic cut-out gown by De Grisogono.

And there were the stars of the international movie world who also made an impact as they descended on the world famous film festival.

Representing Bollywood was Cannes regular Mallika Sherawat who looked stylish and sexy in a silver gown that showed off her curvacious figure, while actress Araya A. Hargate made sure nobody missed her as she posed in a pastel pink gown with cascading frou-frou ruffles.

With an explosion of diverse styles on the red carpet, the fashion statements were just a taste of things to come as the Cannes Film Festival gets underway.

The 69th annual Cannes Film Festival runs from 11 to 22 May 2016.