Venice Film Festival: Roundup of the Best Fashion and Films

The Venice Film Festival is one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world. In fact, it’s part of the “Big Three” along with Cannes and Berlin. The festival lasts a full 11 days, from August 31 to September 10. This year, there were a total of 23 films in competition for The Golden Lion award as well as a number of films out of competition.

For those of us who love watching red carpet events, it’s also one of the best events for fashion. There are a ton of celebrities, movie premieres, and red carpets to see. Often, you’ll see the same people at multiple red carpets and most seem to really go all out with their fashion choices.

And, of course, there are the actual movies. A lot of the most anticipated films premiere at the Venice Film Festival. It’s always exciting to see what the reviews look like, especially for those movies that have been really hyped up.

So, today, I’m sharing a quick roundup of the festival fashion and the films I’m most excited to see.

Venice Film Festival: Fashion

Again, this festival lasts for an entire 11 DAYS. And with over 30 (!) different films premiering, the amount of red carpets makes a fashion roundup much more difficult.

So, instead of trying to stress myself too much, I decided to present some of my favorite repeat red-carpet walkers along with some of the best fashion overall.

Julianne Moore

Julianne Moore served as the Jury President for the festival this year. Now, before you ask me what exactly the jury president does…don’t. I’m honestly not sure. But it sure sounds fancy!

And it explains why Julianne looked so amazing on the red carpet. These three looks were the standouts for me.

Penelope Cruz

The stunning actress was in Venice for her film, L’Immensita.

Alessandra Ambrosio

Alessandra is probably best known for her days as a Victoria’s Secret model. She also always manages to look amazing on the red carpet (or just out and about!) That’s the other thing about the VFF—the fashion isn’t limited to the red carpet. Street style is a big thing there too.

Jodie Turner Smith

I honestly wasn’t familiar with Jodie Turner Smith before now. She’s in the film, White Noise, (which is supposed to be amazing). But, also, just look at her on the red carpet! She definitely isn’t afraid to take a fashion risk or two (and it pays off!)

These two looks were my favorites from her, especially the colorful number.

Jessica Wang

I also wasn’t familiar with Jessica Wang. For those who don’t know who she is, she’s a NYC Fashion Blogger and major influencer. And I gotta give it to her—the girl has style.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa went to a number of film premieres at the VFF, but she was also there to promote her own film, The Listener.

More Fashion from the Venice Film Festival

Bold and Daring Fashion

I’m always most interested to see which stars decide to take a fashion risk on the red carpet. Unsurprisingly, Tilda Swinton and Timothee Chalamet chose to be bold.

I absolutely love Gemma Chan’s metallic and floral gown. Cate Blanchett is another star who always looks fierce on the red carpet.

Pretty and Sparkly

I’ve really loved this newer trend of pale pink and nude colored gowns on the red carpet. Plus, where else can you wear a bunch of sparkles without looking silly?

Simple and Elegant

Unlike the Met Gala, there is no real need to wear something over-the-top or extravagant at Venice. These simple and elegant black and white gowns prove that!

Street Style

Like I mentioned before, since the festival is 11 days, it’s also a great place to see amazing street style. I’m so obsessed with these matching shorts and jacket sets that Florence and Ana wore. OBSESSED.

Best Red Carpet Looks from Venice

Which brings me to my top two Red Carpet looks from Venice.

In first place, I’m going with Florence Pugh. Her gown is so incredible here. Shorts, off-the shoulder, sparkly, sheer. It really is amazing. And she topped it off with these feathery heels. Perfection!

Second was harder, there were so many fabulous red carpet looks, but I love Ana de Armas and her pink gown. What a lovely tribute to Marilyn!

Venice Film Festival: Most Anticipated Films

Of course, it is a film festival, and the movies are just as important as the fashion. This year there were 23 total films in competition for the Golden Lion. There were also 10 fiction films out of competition as well as a number of non-fiction and short films that premiered.

Here are the movies I’m most excited to see.

1. Blonde

As a huge fan of Marilyn Monroe, I’ve been looking forward to this film since it was first announced.

Blonde, based on the Joyce Carol Oates novel of the same name, is a fictionalized take on the life of the beloved Miss Monroe. I read the book years ago, and have always found Marilyn absolutely fascinating. Beautiful and glamorous but undeniably tortured and tragic.

The film, which stars Ana de Armas, received a 14-minute standing ovation at Venice. Reviews have been somewhat mixed but critics have consistently praised Ana’s performance.

Blonde premieres on Netflix September 28. 

2. Bones and All

Bones and All is a cannibal love story. No, really. It stars Timothee Chalamet and Taylor Russell as two young lovers who travel across the country in the 80’s. Oh, and they’re cannibals too.

It’s getting fantastic reviews and this year’s festival proved that it’s one to watch. Taylor Russell took home the prize for Best Young Actor and Luca Guadagnino won Best Director.

Bones and All will be released November 23.

3. Don’t Worry Darling

Don’t Worry Darling, the second film directed by Olivia Wilde, is a psychological thriller about a 1950’s couple living in what seems like a utopia. It’s also the same movie that has been talked about more than any other movie at Venice this year because of… well, a bunch of stuff.

Have I paid more attention to all the drama surrounding Don’t Worry Darling than to the reviews? Um, yes, absolutely. Am I still excited to see it? Yep!

Reviews have been decidedly mixed, but Florence Pugh is being roundly praised for her performance, and that alone makes this one worth the watch.

Don’t Worry Darling will be released September 23.

Golden Lion Winner: All The Beauty and The Bloodshed

This year, the Golden Lion Award went to All The Beauty and The Bloodshed, a documentary about the life of artist and activist Nan Goldin.

What did you think of the fashion at this year’s festival? What movies are you most looking forward to watching? Let me know in the comments!

–K