Thursday , September 17 2026
Caylee Cowan

VENICE FILM FESTIVAL 2026: WHERE HAUTE COUTURE MEETS CINEMA ON THE LAGOON

The Lido di Venezia has once again transformed into the epicenter of global glamour. As the curtains draw to a close on the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, the floating city leaves us breathless, having effortlessly married the highest echelons of cinematic artistry with uncompromising luxury. From the grand arrivals at the Palazzo del Cinema to intimate candlelit soirée dinners tucked away in historic palazzos, this year’s edition reminded us why Venice remains the most poetic stage in the world.

Against the timeless backdrop of Venetian gothic architecture and the shimmering Adriatic, the world’s most visionary directors and celebrated stars converged. But beyond the coveted Silver and Golden Lions, the 2026 festival delivered an exquisite masterclass in high-society aesthetics—where bespoke tailoring, breathtaking high jewelry, and an electric sense of anticipation filled every corner of the red carpet.

Roberto Moro, spent the week immersed in the pulsating heart of the lagoon, capturing the transient magic, raw emotion, and sheer visual splendor that defined this year’s cinematic celebration.

As the spotlights dim over the Grand Canal and the private water taxis carry Hollywood’s finest back to the mainland, the spirit of the 83rd Venice Film Festival lingers in the salty air. It was a week that celebrated storytelling on film, as well as the art of living exquisitely, a rare convergence of heritage, high fashion, and avant-garde cinema that only Venice can orchestrate. Until next year, when the red carpet unfurls once more on the lagoon, these captured moments remain our enduring window into cinematic luxury.

The image shows actress Penélope Cruz.  The Spanish actress stole the spotlight at the premiere of the film *Bunker*, sporting a custom look by Chanel, the fashion house for which she is a long-standing ambassador. The dress Chanel Autumn 2026 collection. She accessorized the outfit with exclusive Chanel High Jewelry pieces, most notably the “Be The One” drop earrings in 18-karat white gold, studded with over 300 diamonds.

Thai actress and model Davika Hoorne (also known as Mai Davika) wore a sumptuous grey evening gown to the premiere of the film *Wild Horse Nine*; the dress featured a voluminous, feather-studded skirt and a strapless, draped metallic bodice, accented at the waist with raised floral embroidery and candy-pink tulle details.

This image shows talent scout and agent Małgorzata (Gosia) Leitner. She is wearing a minimalist long black dress featuring an asymmetrical one-shoulder cut.The appearance took place at the world premiere of the film *Bucking Fastard*

Angolan supermodel Maria Borges wears an evening gown from the Elisabetta Franchi Autumn-Winter 2026 collection. The photo was taken on the red carpet during the premiere of the film *L’Estranea*. The elegant, all-black mermaid-style gown stands out for its form-fitting velvet bodice topped with a high-neck sheer tulle yoke, creating a sophisticated interplay of textures across the décolletage and arms.

Ricky Martin, the renowned King of Latin Pop, made an appearance in Venice for the premieres of the films *The Echo Chamber* and *Hombre al agua*—the latter directed by Gael García Bernal. For his debut on the Venetian red carpet, the Puerto Rican artist sported a refined sartorial look featuring a white double-breasted blazer, black trousers, and a striking new ultra-short blonde hairstyle (buzz cut) that gave his classic style a contemporary twist.

The image shows Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon on the red carpet at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival for the world premiere of the film *The Echo Chamber*, directed by Italian filmmaker Andrea Pallaoro and featuring Sarandon in the cast. The actress wears an elegant, custom-made, all-black floor-length gown by Fendi featuring a boat neckline, paired with bold dark sunglasses and a striking gold chain necklace.

American actress Laura Dern wears a sophisticated, custom-made black floor-length gown by Christian Dior, designed for her by Jonathan Anderson. This extraordinary look was showcased on the red carpet at the premiere of the film “Wild Horse Nine.” The creation stands out for its semi-sheer lace-embroidered bodice embellished with raised, three-dimensional floral appliqués, flowing into a sumptuous tiered skirt featuring finely decorated pleated motifs.

Ginta (also known as Ginta Biku), singer and model. The artist walked the red carpet at the  premiere of the film *Mr. Nelson, Did You Kill People?*, wearing a luminous, embroidered floor-length gown by French designer Christophe Guillarmé.

John Malkovich, American actor. During the world premiere of the film *Wild Horse Nine*, directed by Martin McDonagh, the actor sported a decidedly bold and theatrical look by Dior. The most iconic detail of his outfit was the cream-colored shirt featuring a majestic, pleated Elizabethan-style ruff collar, blending Shakespearean drama with the modernity of high fashion.

Spanish actress Gabriela Andrada wears a semi-sheer, jewel-embellished gown by Georges Hobeika. The actress attended the event for the premiere of the film *Company* by Casey Affleck. The look stands out thanks to a structured, sparkling bodice paired with a sheer skirt adorned with exquisite silver floral embroidery. The entire ensemble is embellished with Damiani jewelry and a Hublot watch.

Caylee Cowan, American actress. The actress walked the red carpet at the premiere of the film *Company*, held in the Sala Grande on September 8, 2026; the celebrity wore a creation from the Milla Nova bridal line. The garment features an unconventional approach to bridal fashion, appearing in an all-black colorway. A mermaid-style gown featuring a sheer, boned corset embellished with dark lace details, flowing into a wide, voluminous tiered skirt with a dramatic train. To complete the “dark romantic” look, the actress wore a ring from Cartier’s Trinity collection and shoes by Santoni.

Dr. Lamia Eltohamy, a London-based physician specializing in aesthetic and regenerative medicine. The image shows an elegant viridian green dress made of abaca fiber by designer Ehrran Montoya, featuring a strapless, draped bodice.

British actor Damson Idris, wearing a stylish black blazer, dark sunglasses, and a black cap with a graphic detail.

French actress Marine Delterme. The actress attended the event for the official screening of the film *Bunker*, directed by her husband, the renowned director and playwright Florian Zeller. For the evening, Delterme wore a white strapless gown featuring raised, textured detailing and a long, contrasting black ribbon at the waist, completing the look with an elegant necklace.

Photography by Roberto Moro, 2026, all rights reserved.

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