In addition to being a celebration of film, the Venice Film Festival has some of the most gorgeous beauty looks we’ve ever seen, created by glam squads and top makeup artists on supermodels and A-list actresses. A galaxy of celebrities have made unforgettable impressions on red carpet splendour over the years by gracing the festival’s red carpet with their flawless choices.
These stunning moments—from Zendaya’s contemporary charm to Sophia Loren’s timeless elegance—continue to inspire people worldwide, including makeup aficionados and artists.
As the Venice Film Festival enters its 81st year, we take a look back at the stunning ensembles that have stood the test of time and inspired us:
Venice Film Festival’s Best Beauty Moments of All Time:
1. Sophia Loren – 1955
Sophia Loren enthralled the crowd at the 16th Venice Film Festival with her timeless beauty. Her impeccably groomed hair and trademark cat-eye liner displayed an ageless beauty. Loren’s appearance was the ideal fusion of glitz and refinement. Makeup artists all throughout the world continue to draw inspiration from her enduring style. Her appearance still sets the bar for traditional beauty decades later. As a symbol of composure and elegance, Loren’s influence on beauty trends is enduring.
2. Nicole Kidman – 2004
Nicole Kidman’s understated makeup and messy side-parted updo accentuated her classic grace. The brilliant, faultless base she wore brought her alabaster skin to life. Gentle curls gave her entire appearance a hint of organic charm. Beauty enthusiasts are still inspired by her easy sophistication. Kidman effortlessly combines elegance and simplicity in her hair and makeup style. Her appearance is still a perfect example of subtle beauty that makes an impression.
3. Scarlett Johansson – 2006
An unforgettable beauty moment was created by Scarlett Johansson’s vintage haircut during the 63rd Venice Film Festival. Her hair barrette, a butterfly diamond, gave off an old Hollywood glamour vibe. Johansson accentuated the traditional sexiness of her look with a plum lip colour during both the opening ceremony and the premiere of “The Black Dahlia.” Her beautiful makeup and sophisticated updo encapsulated the spirit of a bygone era. Since since, this appearance has been hailed as the epitome of classic red carpet glamour. Fans and fashionistas alike are still inspired by Johansson’s fusion of classic elements.
4. Angelina Jolie – 2007
A signature beauty style was established by Angelina Jolie’s seductive, smokey eye makeup at the 64th Venice Film Festival. Her stunning appearance was enhanced by her dazzling glance and her beautiful lips. Her look was completed with classic pearls and a bouffant updo, which gave it a touch of ladylike charm. This look attracted attention and established long-lasting beauty trends. Jolie’s appearance on the red carpet demonstrated the ideal fusion of drama and sophistication. Her appearance continues to have a lasting impact on the beauty industry.
5. Charlize Theron – 2007
At the 64th Venice Film Festival, Charlize Theron’s radiant skin and delicate, golden makeup demonstrated a skilful approach to luminosity and ageless beauty. Her complexion was flawlessly complimented by the neutral lipstick and blush she chose. Her inherent grace was enhanced by the subdued colours, which gave her appearance a gentleness. Theron’s sophisticated makeup served as an example of how to combine subtle sophistication with glowing, youthful beauty. Her red carpet appearance continues to set the standard for attaining a faultless, radiant finish. Modern elegance is defined and inspired by Theron’s beauty choices.
6. Keira Knightley – 2007
The grace of a pre-Raphaelite muse was evoked by Keira Knightley’s ethereal beauty appearance at the 64th Venice Film Festival’s Atonement premiere. Her wavy brown hair, adorned with stars, gave off a surreal, dreamlike vibe. Her romantic and feminine look was complemented by the dusky pink makeup. Knightley’s appearance expertly merged contemporary refinement with vintage charm. The intricate and creative embellishments emphasised her distinct beauty sense. Her look is still a striking illustration of how to combine traditional elements with modern grace.
7. Naomi Campbell – 2010
Naomi Campbell’s blunt fringe and voluptuous waves created a striking framing around her face that shone brightly in the sunlight. Warm bronzer and luminous skin accentuated her complexion’s natural radiance. She looked even more elegant with a subtle lip colour. Teal eyeliner added a vibrant flash of colour and created a dramatic contrast. This combo gave Campbell a very memorable red carpet look. Her bright appearance and carefree elegance are still praised as the epitome of red carpet beauty.
8. Natalie Portman – 2010
Natalie Portman’s elegant beauty appearance during the 67th Venice Film Festival’s opening ceremony quietly referenced her part as a ballet dancer in *Black Swan*. Her side-swept bun waves gave a sophisticated touch, while her bronzed skin radiated subtle grace. Smudged eyeliner added to an allure that was fascinating and deserving of the stage. The group expertly combined theatrical flair with timeless beauty. Portman’s appearance was a chic homage to her legendary part, exuding charm and grace. Her appearance is still a fantastic illustration of how to pull off a sophisticated, movie-inspired style.
Lily-Rose Depp – 2016
Lily-Rose Depp was born to Vanessa Paradis and Johnny Depp, so she was certain to be a star on the red carpet. She really dazzled during the Planetarium film festival’s 73rd Venice Film Festival debut. Her smouldering eyes grabbed the crowd as her exquisite, carefree waves elegantly framed her face. Depp’s appearance combined easy charm with refinement. Her presentation on the red carpet demonstrated her natural grace and style, making it a memorable event. Her unique combination of timeless beauty and contemporary appeal made her the event’s standout feature.
10. Jennifer Lawrence – 2017
The delicate elegance of Jennifer Lawrence was exquisitely exhibited at the 74th Venice Film Festival. Her exquisite yet delicate makeup accentuated her inherent grace, and her tasteful French twist brought back memories of the glamorous days of Grace Kelly. Her elegantly understated updo highlighted her ageless beauty. Lawrence’s appearance was a perfect example of the impact of subtle refinement. Her look was the ideal fusion of contemporary grace and timeless beauty. This sophisticated look is still a timeless source of inspiration for a flawless red carpet look.
11. Amal Clooney – 2017
Amal Clooney’s striking red carpet look at the 74th Venice Film Festival was her colourful and bold makeup. Her bold blue makeup and dramatic plum lipstick created a strong impression. Her ensemble gained an additional touch of vintage Hollywood glitz from the coiffed faux bob. Clooney’s presence at the *Suburbicon* screening demonstrated how timeless and modern classic beauty may coexist. Her look demonstrated how timeless beauty endures through a blend of contemporary flair and old charm. This ensemble is still a stunning representation of chic red carpet elegance.
12. Zoe Kravitz – 2017
At the 74th Venice Film Festival, Zoe Kravitz’s vivid beauty look was a true celebration of colour and uniqueness. Her trendy, wet-look tousled pixie hairdo was strikingly contrasted with her bright makeup. At the screening of *Racer And The Jailbird*, Kravitz displayed her bold aesthetic. Her appearance was a welcome diversion from traditional looks, showcasing her individuality. On the red carpet, the bold haircut and vibrant makeup looked amazing together. Kravitz’s look is still a striking illustration of contemporary, self-assured beauty.
13. Lady Gaga – 2018
The grandeur of the 75th Venice Film Festival was aptly embodied by Lady Gaga’s romantic beauty appearance. Her sculptured golden bun looked incredibly lovely with her rose-colored cosmetics and fluttering lashes. Gaga, who is starring in A Star Is Born, attended the festival and gracefully embraced the occasion with a blend of modern and classic beauty. Her ensemble exuded style and sophistication while honouring the grandeur of the festival. All in all, it was a mesmerising ode to red carpet glitz. One of the most memorable highlights of the festival’s beautiful moments is still Gaga’s performance.
14. Frida Aasen – 2021
Frida Aasen, a supermodel from Sweden, looked stunning with her hair pulled back on the *Un Autre Monde* red carpet. Her dramatic eye makeup and well-defined brows were emphasised by her matte complexion and blue smokey eyes, which served as the main focus points of her ensemble. Her bare lips kept the look under control and elegant, but the dramatic eye makeup brought a dash of glitz. Aasen’s whole look demanded attention since it was so elegantly crafted. Her audacious, self-assured look perfectly embodied both traditional glamour and contemporary sophistication.
15. Bianca Balti – 2021
At the 78th Venice International Film Festival, supermodel Bianca Balti’s sleek, middle-parted haircut radiated sophisticated elegance. Her makeup was barely noticeable and her dewy skin gave her a clean, modern appearance. Her inherent beauty was accentuated by neutral colours, which made the whole look subtle but powerful. Balti’s stylish declaration proved the value of keeping things simple. Her easy refinement and polished flair really stood out at the Madres Paralelas screening. Her appearance is still the ideal illustration of how small touches can make a big impact.
16. Jodie Comer – 2021
Jodie looked stunning on the *The Last Duel* red carpet, her sleek, straight hair going well with her subtle makeup. She looked elegant and ageless with her features accentuated by soft contouring and neutral eyeshadow. The sleek and refined look was finished with nude lips. Her modest style demonstrated the value of simplicity in design. The whole look was effortlessly stylish and breathtaking. Jodie’s look proved that a remarkable, unforgettable red carpet presence can be created with small things.
17. Penélope Cruz – 2021
At the 78th Venice Film Festival, Penélope Cruz embodied classic beauty with a contemporary touch that was just stunning. Her dramatic impression at the Competencia Oficial red carpet was created by her sleek hair and bright lips. A classic smoky eye accentuated her gorgeous skin, and the huge bun provided a sense of drama. Cruz’s style expertly struck a mix between classic elegance and modern flair. Her look served as a prime illustration of how to combine contemporary and vintage components to create an unforgettable red carpet experience.
18. Zendaya – 2021
Zendaya’s 78th Venice Film Festival debut was a display of glowing beauty. Her extravagant makeup created a forceful statement with its vibrant colours and stunning contrasts. Her face was perfectly framed by slicked waves, and her glowing skin radiated in the spotlight. Zendaya’s appearance was the ideal example of how adopting bold components can have a breathtaking effect. Her appearance on the red carpet served as a reminder that occasionally, going all out may result in unforgettable splendour. Her look continues to be a remarkable illustration of how to leave a lasting impression with assured, radiant beauty.
19. Ana De Armas – 2022
Ana de Armas’s gentle, Old Hollywood waves added a hint of vintage glitz to the festival. Her makeup accentuated her innate beauty with delicate tones and bright skin. She stood out on the *Blonde* red carpet because to her classic and romantic appearance. Her rendition of Marilyn Monroe was subtly honoured by the timeless beauty of her look. The refined yet nostalgic style of De Armas was reminiscent of a bygone period. Her appearance on the red carpet flawlessly combined classic charm with contemporary appeal.
20. Jodie Turner-Smith – 2022
On the red carpet, Jodie Turner-Smith’s daring use of pink and orange ombre eyeshadow created a striking effect. The vivid makeup complemented her gorgeous hazel-colored contact lenses, making her eyes really stand out. The audacious beauty style raised the bar for festival glitz. Turner-Smith’s presence turned into a pivotal point in the history of the beauty pageant. Her daring use of colour and flair highlighted her distinct sense of style. The ensemble is nonetheless a great illustration of how to use daring beauty choices to create a statement.
21. Barbara Palvin – 2022
At the 79th Venice Film Festival, Barbara Palvin’s understated yet alluring beauty appearance redefined angelic splendour. Her distinctive nude lips, delicate eyeshadow, and thick eyebrows accentuated her inherent beauty with a carefree elegance. Her ensemble was given a bohemian edge by the gilded flower crown and a hint of nostalgic charm by her 1970s flicked fringe. Palvin’s look expertly merged originality with simplicity. The final result was a breathtaking fusion of contemporary refinement and traditional charm. Her appearance is still a great illustration of how to pull off heavenly allure in a novel way.
22. Sara Sampaio – 2022
Unquestionably turning heads was supermodel Sara Sampaio’s daring, seductive beauty look at the 79th Venice Film Festival. Her flawless black liner, which highlighted her eyes with dramatic flair, contrasted perfectly with her beautiful nude lips. The sophisticated updo with a middle parting perfectly captured the essence of modern beauty. Sampaio’s look skilfully combined traditional elegance with edgy details. Her appearance served as a striking illustration of how to use tasteful beauty choices to make a strong statement. The whole result defined modern red carpet style, being both stylish and compelling.
23. Kelsey Merritt – 2022
Renowned for becoming the first Filipino to appear in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, Kelsey Merritt demonstrated modern elegance on the Tar red carpet at the 79th Venice Film Festival. Her dewy complexion and delicately pink lips brought a hint of natural, subtle attractiveness. Her appearance was enhanced without being overdone by the delicate eye makeup. Merritt’s intricate updo brought the look together and made it seem classic and elegant. Her stunning appearance flawlessly combined traditional aspects with modern flair. Merritt’s appearance on the red carpet demonstrated a classy and sophisticated take on contemporary glamour.
24. Jessica Chastain – 2023
Makeup artist Kristofer Buckle created Jessica Chastain’s stunning warm bronzy eye and glossy rose lips for the *Memory* premiere at the 80th Venice Film Festival. Hairstylist Christian Wood arranged her hair in a clean side parting that went well with her bright appearance. Chastain’s beauty look was the ideal fusion of refinement and cosiness. Her flawless hair and subtle, radiant makeup emphasised her inherent grace. Her presence at the function was a sophisticated and contemporary interpretation of traditional red carpet glitz. The entire appearance was exquisite and expertly put together.
25. Danielle Marcan – 2023
The beauty influencer mesmerised on the 80th annual festival’s opening red carpet with a crisp, throwback liner that made her eyes delightfully jump. Her bold yet mesmerising appearance grabbed people’s attention right away. Her hair was arranged into a sleek high bun, with face-framing waves that provided a subtle hint of softness. A remarkably refined look was produced by combining modern hairstyle with vintage eyeliner. The entire result was a captivating fusion of modern and classic elegance. Her appearance on the red carpet established a high bar for tasteful glamour.