Julia Roberts walks barefoot at Cannes red carpet

A number of celebrities are rebelling against the rules this year

Julia Roberts made a startling style statement by appearing barefoot on the red carpet at the 69th Cannes Film Festival to screen her upcoming film Money Monster.

The lack of footwear violates the strict (but unwritten) dress code, but after last year's 'Flatgate' controversy, it's not a surprise celebrities are rebelling against the rules, reports eonline.com.

Roberts donned a vintage-inspired black gown. Featuring a plunging neckline and off-the-shoulder cap sleeves, the gown perfectly hugged the actress' curves. She paired her dress with an emerald pendant on a diamond chain and a matching ring.

Cast member Julia Roberts poses on the red carpet as she arrives for the screening of the film 'Money Monster'. PHOTO: REUTERS

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While climbing up the stairs, Roberts hiked up her dress to reveal her feet bereft of footwear. Meanwhile, George Clooney and his wife, Amal Clooney, appeared by her side, wearing shoes.

Julia reveals her barefoot while climbing up the stairs. PHOTO: REUTERS

The 48-year-old actor is known for going barefoot at awards ceremonies.

Director Jodie Foster (C) and cast members Julia Roberts, Dominic West, Caitriona Balfe, Jack O'Connell, George Clooney and his wife Amal Alamuddin pose on the red carpet. PHOTO: REUTERS

The French edition of Gala celebrity magazine, L’Express Friday, called her move as a “veritable act of militant feminism” and also said she had “dared the unthinkable," reports Hindustan Times.

A number of women were barred from attending screenings because of their footwear choices last year.

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“Everyone should wear flats, to be honest. We shouldn’t wear high heels. That’s very disappointing, just when you kind of think there are these new waves of equality,” said actor Emily Blunt at Cannes last year.

This year, a lot of female actors have turned in to rebels by taking a stand against the unequal wardrobe guidelines.

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“Things have to change immediately. It has become really obvious that if (a man and I) were walking the red carpet together and someone stopped me and said, ‘Excuse me, young lady, you’re not wearing heels. You cannot come in.’ Then (I’m going to say), ‘Neither is my friend. Does he have to wear heels?’ It can work both ways,” Kristen Stewart said at a roundtable during the festival, reports Vanity Fair.

Kristen attending the premiere of 'Cafe Society' and the Opening Night Gala. PHOTO: VANITYFAIR