Often considered the older and edgier sister to Cannes, the Venice Film Festival is a film lover’s delight. Oldest in the world, the Venice Film Festival is also a part of the Big Five, which are internationally renowned for giving creators the artistic freedom to express themselves through cinema. The other names in this list are Cannes, Berlin, Toronto, and Sundance Film Festivals.
Apart from churning out some of the year’s best films, the Venice Film Festival is also a fashion extravaganza. From photocalls to premieres to fashion galas, the Venice International Film Festival has it all, and the looks served, end up being red-carpet inspiration for years to come. This year, the Venice Film Festival is running on the island of Lido in Venice Lagoon from August 28th to September 7th. The festival started with Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice, and Pupi Avati's The American Backyard will be drawing the curtains.
Apart from these, it has been host to multiple events of different kinds, ranging from the amfAR which is a philanthropic gala, to Chanel’s exclusive Film Festival dinner, both of which saw stars bring their best fashion game to the red carpets.
1. Monica Belluci and Tim Burton
Iconic filmmaker Tim Burton needs no introduction. Known to pioneer goth culture in American cinema, case in point, his film Beetlejuice which opened the Venice Film Festival this year, Burton keeps it clean when it comes to his fashion choices. The spotlight was on his lady love, and actress Monica Belluci who stunned in a beautiful Vivienne Westwood gown. Her Cartier jewels of course made it all the more glamorous.
2. Louis Patridge
With his classic, dapper look, Louis Patridge shined bright at the Venice Film Festival premiere of Apple TV’s latest, Disclaimer. The young star brought his A-game with a sharp grey Prada suit which was offset with a dull olive tie, making it very chic yet understated.
3. George and Amal Clooney
The IT power couple, George and Amal Clooney also, quite obviously, made it to the best-dressed Venice Film Festival guests list. At the premiere of George’s upcoming movie Wolfs, where he stars with Brad Pitt, the star went for a timeless black and white tuxedo, paired with bow tie, keeping it classy. Amal, on the other hand, served one of what could only be called Venice Film Festival’s best looks in her butter-yellow Versace ruffled gown.
4. Nicole Kidman
What are red carpet appearances if not sheer glamour, and Nicole Kidman channelled just that with her Schiaparelli gown, which came straight from the couture house’s Fall Winter 24 runway. Styled by Jason Bolden, Nicole wore this stunning organza bustier with velvet skirt outfit at the Venice Film Festival premiere of her next, Babygirl, directed by Halina Reijn.
5. Angelina Jolie
Venice Film Festival’s best looks list would be incomplete without the actress Angelina Jolie. Wearing a Tamara Ralph to the Venice Film Festival premiere of her new film Maria, Jolie kept her hair sleek, and the classic red lip perfectly complimented the understated gown. The chiffon-draped, asymmetrical gown, and the accompanying faux fur stole was created for Angelina Jolie’s Venice Film Festival appearance exclusively.
6. Jenna Ortega
The lady in red, and one of the best dressed at the Venice International Film Festival, Jenna stole hearts in her custom-made Dior gown and jewellery. While she matched her makeup and the stunning red gown, the Beetlejuice actress kept her jewellery understated.
7. Cate Blanchett
You can’t talk about iconic looks, and skip Cate Blanchett. Known for her sharp style, Cate Blanchett brought sustainability to the Venice Film Festival red carpet, look after look. Whether it was her stunning black asymmetrical gown that she re-wore after Cannes, or this Georgio Armani beauty that was also a re-wore, the actress has lately been championing sustainability, all while looking this stunning.
8. Úrsula Corberó
Chic, stunning, and fiery red, Úrsula Corberó was a vision in the head-to-toe Bottega Veneta, styled immaculately by Helena Tajedor. With her old-school Audrey Hepburn hairstyle, and golden jewellery, the Spanish actress won hearts all over for her Venice Film Festival appearance.