2009 Cannes Film Festival Red Carpet: Aishwarya Rai and Elizabeth Banks

Cannes Film Festivalhas kicked off and as a result we have an outstanding week of stunning couture gowns, bedazzling brilliants and some movie drama, ofcourse.

Our very first best dressed person appears to be Aishwarya Rai who stepped up at yesterday’s Spring Fever premiere. Indian born actress opted for a blue Elie Saab Spring 2009 Couture gown.

Another cutie was Elizabeth Banks who wore a red shouldered Armani Privé Spring 2009 gown for her Up premiere.

Aishwarya Rai and Elizabeth Banks go Up the red carpet

Party in the South of France? It's a Cannes do, well it is for Aishwarya Rai and Elizabeth Banks anyway....

The Bollywood star and US actress were heating up the red carpet at the premiere of new Pixar flick Up - the first ever animation to open the festival. The pair provided voices for the film, but proved that they have faces for more than just the recording studio in their dazzling frocks.

In keeping with the economic climate, the usually ultra-extravagant event has been scaled back somewhat this year, but that probably just means ten diamonds in Beyonce's goody bag not 20. If the French Rivera can't do glitz, who can?

In Pics: Aishwarya Rai at 62nd Annual Cannes Film Festival 2009