12 Times Senegalese Actress, Aïssa Maïga Ruled the Red Carpet

Since her breakout role in Michael Haneke’s “Caché” with Juliette Binoche, Senegalese-French actress Aïssa Maïga has become a regular face on the red carpet. Known for her glamorous and feminine style, Maïga keeps a refined and elegant red carpet appearance. She often wears dramatic pieces from renowned French designers and is a familiar face at fashion shows and in French indie films.

Born in Senegal, Maïga moved to France at age four and has been acting since the late ’90s. She excels in character-driven roles and has made significant contributions to French cinema. In 2007, she was the first black woman nominated for a César Award, France’s top acting honor, for her role in “Bamako.” Her critically acclaimed performances have also caught the fashion world’s eye, leading her to the front rows of shows by designers like Jean Paul Gaultier, Maxime Simoens, and Dior.

Maïga has consistently dazzled at the Cannes Film Festival, where her stunning gowns are as anticipated as the films. Her red carpet appearances have solidified her status as a fashion icon.

Take a look at her red carpet highlights to see why this French beauty is a fashion favorite.

At the premiere of “Amour” at the 2012 Cannes Festival, Maïga stood out in a stunning wine, flowy gown. Her sleek updo and nude makeup perfectly complemented the dramatic silhouette.

For the 2014 Cannes Film Festival, Maïga wore a beautiful blue, strapless dress. The actress had long, curly brown hair and she accessorized with minimal jewelry, creating an elegant look.

At the “Mr. Turner” premiere at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival, Maïga wowed in a floor-length white dress. She enhanced her look with neat, short braids and flawless makeup.

For the “Aujourd’hui” photocall in Berlin in 2012, Maïga chose a chic white and black gingham-patterned blouse with a tied neckline, paired with black pants and black leather, knee-length boots. Her short, natural curls framed her face perfectly.

At the César Film Awards 2013, Aïssa Maïga wore a high-fashion outfit featuring a white, off-the-shoulder blouse with puffy, voluminous sleeves, paired with a long, structured black skirt. 

For the “Stars At Noon” screening, Maïga wore a dramatic, flowing black cape-like dress with a high collar and billowing sleeves. Her elaborate braided updo, adorned with delicate beads and accessories, complemented a large, cascading shell necklace for a visually striking look.

At the Cannes screening of “Young and Beautiful” in May, 2013, Aïssa Maïga dazzled in a ladylike look, featuring a high-collared top and a skirt with camouflage-inspired prints, creating a dramatic silhouette.

At the 13th Film Festival Lumière in Lyon on October 9, 2021, Maïga wore a striking long-sleeved dress in a rich, earthy brown with a high, ruffled collar and a flowing, full-length skirt.

At the 62nd Cannes International Film Festival, Maïga looked radiant in a sleek, sparkling wine-colored midi dress with matching strappy shoes.

In 2018, Aïssa Maïga made a powerful statement at Cannes in a metallic Balmain dress, leading 16 of France’s black actors in a protest against racism in the French film industry.

At the Les Flames 2024, Aïssa Maïga made a bold departure from her usual style, wearing an oversized blue pantsuit with an exaggerated collar, creating a striking look.

At the 2020 star-studded César Awards, Aïssa looked flawless in a flowing, floor-length yellow dress made of shimmering satin. She accessorized with a slim, dark belt at the waist, highlighting her figure.