Dakota Johnson Stuns In Ethereal Lace At Saudi Gala

The Hollywood Glamour Comes to Saudi Arabia

Dakota Johnson brought a touch of Hollywood elegance to the Red Sea Film Festival as she graced the Women in Cinema Gala in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Decked out in a dreamy, semi-sheer lace gown from Chloé’s winter 2025 collection, Johnson was every bit the star the festival needed. Her ensemble featured a daring plunging neckline and frothing sleeves that elegantly draped to her elbows, while the skirt showcased delicate lacy tiers, perfectly flaunting her long legs and adding a touch of whimsy to the sophisticated look.

Accessorizing her stunning dress, Dakota opted for white patent leather heels, exquisite Chopard jewelry, and a chic leather bag, also from Chloé. Keeping her hair down in soft waves and sporting a natural makeup palette with just a hint of pink on her lips, she exuded a natural, effortless beauty that captured the festival's glamour.

Embracing the World of Filmmaking

The gala wasn’t just about fashion, though. As part of the Red Sea Film Festival, Dakota Johnson was there to promote her work and partake in enlightening discussions. During a session on Friday, she opened up about her journey into directing and producing, sharing insights into her personal and professional growth influenced by her famous parents, Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith. "I grew up in this industry," Johnson revealed. "I grew up on set watching my parents work and watching how they would engage with filmmakers, producers, and collaborators, and I always wanted to be a larger part of the project."

Describing her passion for crafting female-driven, human experience stories, she continued, "As I moved on in my career, I wanted to make my own projects and explore parts of myself and artistry that other people weren’t seeing… we’re drawn by female-driven, human experience projects. I want to make movies about women and people who are going through some sort of evolution, internally and externally."

Challenges Behind the Camera

In a candid moment, Dakota reflected on the complexities of producing compared to acting. "I honestly think producing is more challenging," she shared, contrasting the more insular experience of acting with the broader, sometimes harsher view producers face. "There’s something about acting where I feel, I’m in a bubble, and producing, you see behind the curtain, and it’s really ugly… realizing that financiers are really shady sometimes is heartbreaking." Her openness about the darker sides of the industry provided a sobering contrast to the evening’s glamor, underscoring her commitment to her craft and the stories she wants to tell.