Venice Film Festival 2023: All the Best Legs, Erm, Looks

Lots of stars skipped, likely in solidarity with the writers' and actors' strikes, but plenty of international celebs gave us color, gowns, and legwork.

By Lauren Tousignant | September 5, 2023 | 9:50pm

Beauty Style

The vibes at this year’s Venice Film Festival are a bit all over the place. Since the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes are ongoing, a number of stars seemingly decided to skip the red carpet in solidarity. (Love!) Emma Stone, for example, was not there to hear the eight-minute standing ovation for her performance in Yorgos Lanthimos’ Poor Things, which is already garnering her Oscar buzz and apparently includes a scene where she has sex with a piece of fruit.

A few film stars, like those in Dogman and Ferrari, were said to have received WGA promotion waivers that allowed them to attend the festival without scabbing, but still, one festival publicist told the Hollywood Reporter that “glamming it up at Venice while your colleagues are on the picket line isn’t a good look.” Agree!

So, since so many A-listers are absent, it feels like—apart from Sofia Coppola and half the cast of Euphoria—there are a ton of B-listers, some nepo babies, and a handful of models walking the red carpet instead. Maybe they’d be there regardless. I don’t know! What I do know is that the carpet is severely lacking some Don’t Worry Darling-level drama (sad!) and Jacob Elordi is throwing up a peace sign any chance he gets (weird!).

Luckily, we also have every international artist, celebrity, model, and influencer giving us all the flair, color, and legwork we like to see on our red carpets. Enjoy.

Hofit Golan

Could be wrong, but I imagine there’s no greater joy in life than twirling around on a red carpet in a giant purple tulle dress while hundreds of people take your picture. And the Israeli influencer is doing it perfectly.

Rose Bertram

Before you Google “Does Alicia Vikander have a twin who’s a Belgian model?” I already did it, and the answer is no. Crazy! (Oh, and great dress.)

Loretta Grace

Never have I ever...actually liked anything that was even a little bit peplum. This dress is proof that, truly, anything is possible, because I love it.

Madalina Doroftei

OK yes?!?!

Eugenia Silva

I’ve said it once, I’ve said it twice, I’ve actually said it like 3,000 times... We should all be wearing capes all the time. (The Spanish model has clearly been paying attention.)

Georgia Mos

I just learned that this woman is an Italian DJ, and this is exactly what I would imagine a DJ wearing to a red carpet.

Isabelle Huppert

This is exactly who I want to be, right now, when I grow up, when I die, when I’m reincarnated etc., etc.

Vanessa Borelli

I’m not a fan of the dress, but that doesn’t really matter when you have a leg like that!

Issaka Sawagodo

Wow, the Burkinabé actor’s smile, mint green ensemble, and obviously immaculate vibes have provided my brain with at least two full days’ worth of serotonin.

Mădălina Diana Ghenea

The Romanian actress actually has two mothers: Mila Kunis and Angelina Jolie. Believe it or not!

Camila Mendes

I don’t understand the physics of this dress but I do love anything that looks like a mermaid got caught in a fishing net woven with giant sequins.

Olivia Palermo

Hi?????

Jacob Elordi Peace Sign #1

Here’s Jacob’s first peace sign as he exits the infamous Venice boat upon arriving at the festival. This outfit plus pose was fine, maybe a little too “I’m running for President of these United States,” but that happens sometimes and it’s OK.

Georgia May Jagger

Personally, I hate when dresses like this are only partially sheer...just be a naked dress or don’t, you know? But she looks hot so, carry on, I suppose.

Emma Corrin

Whereas, a 1950s sweater set with no pants is exactly the type of contradictory outfit that I can get behind.

Jacob Elordi Peace Sign #2

He was photographed giving at least two different peace signs while arriving at the festival. I shudder to think how many peace signs we didn’t see.

Sydney Sweeney #1

OK, Polly Pocket.

Rita Ora

Honestly? Breathtaking. Dare I say I’m ready for a Ritaissance? Oraissance? Whatever, maybe she can just release some new music.

Lili Reinhart

This washed-out dress is kind of boring, but the look Reinhart shot Sydney Sweeney was NOT. (They had an awkward encounter and it seemed like there might be some behind-the-scenes beef. They’ve since said there’s none, but I refuse to believe them.)

Jacob Elordi Peace Sign #3 (and #4?)

What is this man doing? And why.

Barbara Palvin

I actually did gasp; this is very classic, and she looks stunning.

Adriana Lima

Sure!

Leona Lewis

OK incredible?!?!?!! Give us more of these appearances?!?? And more music!!?!?!

Jacob Elordi Peace Sign #5? Maybe?

Is he getting paid per peace sign?

Kerry Washington

Do I love this dress? Yes! Is it kind of giving me “pre-teen teeny bopper at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards?” Also yes.

Sofia Coppola and Priscilla Presley

Did you also just learn this weekend that Priscilla was 14 when 24-year-old Elvis Presley, her future husband, met her? Me too. And I’m still processing.