See Nicole Kidman's Cannes Film Festival Style Evolution: 25 Years of Gowns

The Cannes Film Festival is just getting started, yet the press is already declaring Nicole Kidman the queen of Cannes 2017. She has four projects set to debut there this week, and she's enjoyed a bit of a career renaissance — Vanity Fair calls it a Kidmanaissance — with an Oscar nom for Lion and a runway hit in HBO's Big Little Lies.

But one thing Nicole always delivers is a memorable red carpet moment. “She’s not going the safe road,” her stylist Julia von Boehm explained to The New York Times this year about Nicole's fashion choices. Looking back on 25 years of Nicole's Cannes appearances, that statement is definitely true. The gowns Nicole picks are a bit unexpected, yet timeless. And she always delivers old-school movie star glamour.

Nicole picked dramatic black opera gloves for her first appearance at Cannes in 1992, promoting Far and Away with her co-star and then-husband Tom Cruise. Memories!

Nicole turned up to Cannes in 1995 for her classic film To Die For showing some leg and looking exactly like the red dress emoji.

These red ringlets are definitely To Die For.

Judging from this frilly YSL corset dress at Cannes in 2001, looks like Nicole got inspired by her costumes in Moulin Rouge.

Another Moulin Rouge-esque pick for Cannes that year was this gorgeous red qipao-inspired Prada dress.

In 2003, Nicole wore a little black dress and a major necklace for the opening of Dogville.

This vibrant halter Pucci dress for her 2003 Cannes appearance has a built-in necklace too. The high ponytail is a nice touch.

Nicole’s a hot tamale in the simple orange sheath dress she wore to promote her risqué Zac Efron film The Paperboy in 2012.

Nicole opted for a floaty Grecian-inspired Lanvin gown for The Paperboy premiere.

Also in 2012, Nicole showed us how to make off-the-shoulder look more lady-like than boho.

That same year, Nicole’s Cannes closet included this slinky metallic Ralph Lauren Collection number for the Hemingway & Gellhorn premiere, worn with a curly faux bob.

The sculptural neckline and voluminous sleeves on Nicole’s dress in 2013 would be right on trend this summer.

Nicole wore a garden-party ready strapless Dior and patent pink Jimmy Choos to the premiere of The Great Gatsby in 2013 with an edgier fauxhawk ponytail.

In the totally opposite direction as the floral Dior, Nicole wore a bombshell black leather Calvin Klein dress in 2013.

Nicole and hubby Keith Urban charmed on the red carpet in 2013, and Nicole’s colorful L’Wren column dress is equally playful.

This lovely Valentino gown from Cannes 2013 is the dress that Anne Hathaway ditched at the last minute for her Oscars Prada dress. Good thing Nicole rescued the dress, which is beyond perfect for Cannes.

Movie star glamour is all we can see with this Giorgio Armani silk column gown with a Swarovski crystal bow from 2013.

As part of her 2013 Cannes red carpet spree, Nicole paired a cha-cha-cha embellished Chanel with red Christian Louboutins.

For her 2014 promotion of Grace of Monaco, Nicole chose an elegant Altuzarra crepe dress that Grace Kelly surely would’ve approved of.

But her true Cannes 2014 princess look happened during the Grace of Monaco premiere, with this intricately beaded Armani Privé gown. Can this be bested?

We can't wait to see what she adds to her Cannes fashion resume this year!