Lupita Nyong'o is already winning the Cannes red carpet and the Festival just started

The opening ceremony for the 68th annual Cannes Film Festival is happening right now, and the aerodynamic Afro and custom green Gucci frock Lupita Nyong’o chose for the occasion are strongly suggesting that everyone else need not attend.

Yes, mere hours into the weeklong festival, the Academy Award winner is owning the red carpet. Everyone else should calmly make alternative plans.

If that reads as presumptive — biased, even — then simply fix your gaze upon the curved contours of this:

Yes, just as I thought.

Honoring African fractal hair traditions with this stunning up-do — and her flat-chested sistren (here! here!) with her plunging neckline — Lupita eclipses supermodels like Karlie Kloss and fellow Academy Award winners Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore, who were also in attendance.

Which is no small feat, considering these aforementioned ladies showed up in a metallic Versace column with a split up to one’s nether regions, an alarmingly red strapless number with a sharp-cornered bustier, and beaded Armani Privé gown, respectively.

Then there was Sienna Miller, the fashion icon who single-handedly started the “Boho chic” craze of 2005, appearing to be holding back in this stately navy asymmetrical dress. Perhaps the fashion icon will wave her freak flag a bit as the festival goes on.

In fact, if we’re being honest (which we are), I preferred Sienna’s Balenciaga look from the photo call earlier in the day, especially the little flip of that bob. It seemed to have a bit more to say, if you will.

Naomi Watts wafted in wearing a beaded and feathered Elie Saab frock, replete with ingenious pockets (fashion marries function), but the fit seemed a bit off.

Now, game recognizes game, and so I must concede that Fan Bingbing is Lupita’s greatest rival this evening in her pink and green Ralph & Russo couture gown, adorned with an 18th century Chinese motif of cherry blossoms and peacocks along the trailing cape.

For all the Met Gala attendees who were confused about the theme (and so many of you were), this would have been an excellent reference.

With eleven more days to go in the Cannes Film Festival, we’re bound to be in for some surprises, although it will be hard to top a gravity-defying Afro. Others are welcome to try.

Marjon Carlos is a style and culture writer for Fusion who boasts a strong turtleneck game and opinions on the subjects of fashion, gender, race, pop culture, and men’s footwear.