Nerves of steel and hairspray are musts for Cannes red carpet

Director Ethan Coen (L), cast member Carey Mulligan (2ndL), musician T-Bone Burnett (3rdL) walk on the red carpet as they leave after the screening of the film "Inside Llewyn Davis" in competition during the 66th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes May 19, 2013.[Photo/Agencies]

Walking the red carpet of the world's most famous film showcase is a test of nerves for celebrities, not helped by wind, rain and the chaos of hundreds of photographers shouting their names.

'The Great Gatsby' screened in Cannes

Photocall for 'The Great Gatsby' in Cannes

Opening ceremony of the 66th Cannes Film Festival

Photocall for 'Blood Ties'

From choosing the perfect dress and hairdo, to trying not to trip on the famous red steps, the pressure is on for movie stars and glitterati at the 12-day Cannes film festival on the swanky French Riviera which wraps up on May 26.

"It's always scary and I'm always intimidated by these things," actress Carey Mulligan told Reuters TV after her entrance in the pouring rain at the festival's premiere of Baz Luhrmann's "The Great Gatsby" in a pale pink Dior gown.

"There's always a lot of pressure. Girls have lots of pressure. But I felt great and comfortable. Apart from the rain it was all pretty smooth," she said.

An actress who can smile, wave to the cameras and sign autographs while battling wet feet, goosebumps and mussed hairdos deserves an acting award.

"I'm going to blow away! I feel like Mary Poppins!" joked jury member Nicole Kidman, wearing a spring-like floral gown, also by Dior, on opening night.

In the latest celebrity wardrobe malfunction, "Desperate Housewives" star Eva Longoria inadvertently exposed herself as she hiked up her gown to avoid red carpet puddles on Saturday.

The foul weather has meant local stores have done brisk sales of jackets, sweaters, closed-toe shoes and umbrellas.

Some stars still managed to stay immaculately groomed. French actress Marion Cotillard arrived at Monday's premiere of "Blood Ties" by director Guillaume Canet and co-starring Clive Owen with a high beehive hairdo that would have been impossible without a girl's best friend - hairspray.

Even less-glamorous dealmakers who head to the festival to buy and sell new films have been affected by the weather.

"If this Cannes market turns out to be slower than usual, I will blame it entirely on wet socks," tweeted Magnolia Pictures executive Peter Van Steemburg.