The Cannes Film Festival has been facing an angry backlash after it was accused of turning away women from a red-carpet screening for not wearing high heels.


A number of women, who took to Twitter later, some in their fifties, and some with medical conditions, were denied access to the screening of Todd Haynes' entry Carol on Sunday night, reported Screen magazine.


Some of the women who had been turned away, were wearing rhinestone flats at the time. They said it was ironical that the subject matter of the film -- a lesbian romance -- starring Cate Blanchett was about fighting against societal norms.


Film critic Anupama Chopra who is at the event tweeted, "Heading home-read about guests turned away fm Palais red carpet because of inappropriate footwear - flats. That's just absurd! #Cannes2015."


The Screen reported, did however mention that it was obligatory for all women to wear high heels to red-carpet showings. And yes, selfies on the red carpet are frowned upon.