Nigerian actress and film producer Lilian Afegbai recently made her debut at the prestigious 2025 Cannes Film Festival in France.
In doing so, she joins an elite group of Nigerian women who have proudly flown the country’s flag at one of the most prestigious film events in the world. Just last year, Ghanaian-Nigerian actress Juliet Ibrahim made waves at the festival, and in 2023, it was Chika Ike who lit up the red carpet.
This year, it’s Lilian’s moment and she seized it with unmatched style and confidence, dressed in a stunning emerald green gown that shimmered under the lights. She reminded the world that Nollywood is filled with stars ready for the global spotlight.
Photo: Instagram/LillyAfe The Cannes Film Festival, running from May 13 to May 24, is one of the biggest and most respected film events in the world. It draws top filmmakers, actors, and creatives from all corners of the globe and is often a platform where cinematic excellence meets high fashion.
For Lilian Afegbai, scoring an invite to Cannes was a milestone moment. She proudly shared images of her red carpet look on Instagram, showing off the dazzling emerald green dress that had everyone talking.
The emerald green dress she wore was nothing short of magical. Featuring delicate sheer paneling, a beaded top that shimmered with every movement, and a flowy skirt that added softness and drama, the gown was a masterpiece.
It perfectly balanced boldness and elegance, making Lilian stand out on the red carpet without looking like she was trying too hard. The color was rich, regal, and radiant symbolizing confidence, power, and growth.
As she moved, the dress caught the light in all the right places, creating a visual moment that quickly went viral online.
Photo: Instagram/LillyAfe The actress’ glam was just as refined as her outfit. Her hair was styled in a sleek low bun tied with a velvet bow; an old-Hollywood-inspired touch.
Her makeup was clean and neutral, with a nude base that highlighted her natural beauty, smokey eyes that brought intensity, and nude lips that kept the look soft and elegant.
Her choice of accessories also proved her commitment to understated glamour. She wore minimal jewelry, just a pair of diamond earrings that sparkled subtly and allowed the dress to do most of the talking.
Photo: Instagram/lillyafe Her fans were quick to flood her comment section with admiration and praise. Comments poured in within minutes. The love was real and loud. Even her industry colleagues couldn’t help but drop compliments.
Beyond the beauty and glamour, Lilian Afegbai is also known for speaking her mind, and she’s not afraid to stir conversations. Last year, during the buzz surrounding Ghanaian actress Nana Addo’s outfit at the AMVCA, which sparked debate about fashion credits and tagging designers, Lilian shared her honest opinion.
She publicly stated that Nigerian designers should not expect to be tagged by celebrities if they were paid for their work. She reminded everyone that a tag is a courtesy, not a right, especially when the job has been financially settled. She didn’t stop there.
In her typical bold style, she challenged anyone who disagreed to “beat her” if she didn’t tag them. That statement went viral and sparked wider conversations around respect, entitlement, and professionalism in the Nigerian fashion industry.
Lilian has also used her platform to shed light on the high cost of beauty and wellness services on Lagos Island. She once shared her frustration after visiting a salon where the prices were outrageously high.
In a candid post, she pleaded with salon owners to be more considerate, especially in a tough economy.
Photo: Instagram/LillyAfe All these layers; her Cannes red carpet debut, her strong opinions, her social awareness, and her emotional intelligence, paint a full picture of who Lilian Afegbai really is. She is a star in every sense of the word.
Her appearance at Cannes was a statement of arrival. It was proof that Nigerian talent belongs on international stages, that African fashion deserves the spotlight, and that Nollywood women can slay, speak up, and soar all at once.
As she continues to rise, it’s clear that this is only the beginning for Lilian.
Photo: Instagram/lillyafe
