Venice Film Festival 2025: Socal Stars Shine With Jaw-Dropping Red Carpet Looks! on ONDA LA

Hollywood Takes Over Venice with Red Carpet Magic

Alright, LA fam, let’s talk about the Venice Film Festival 2025 - the last big summer bash for the global film scene, kicking off on August 27. Our Hollywood heavyweights swapped their Malibu beach vibes for gondola rides through the iconic Italian canals, rolling up in outfits that scream red carpet royalty. With premieres for massive films like Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, Kathryn Bigelow’s A House of Dynamite, Yorgos Lanthimos’s Bugonia, and Noah Baumbach’s Jay Kelly, the stakes (and the style) were sky-high.

This northern Italian extravaganza, running through September 6, keeps it classy with a ‘formal attire recommended’ vibe, straight from their official site. Think of it as the Oscars with a side of espresso - pure elegance, no flip-flops allowed. After chilling in their luxe summer hideaways (probably somewhere off the Pacific Coast Highway), these stars came ready to slay, and we’ve got the rundown on who turned heads at this prestigious fest.

Standout Looks from Venice’s Star-Studded Lineup

Cate Blanchett: Recycling Glam with Armani Privé

First up, Cate Blanchett set the tone on opening night with a black Armani Privé gown she previously rocked at the 2022 SAG Awards. This mermaid-style stunner, complete with a plunging, gemstone-studded neckline and pockets (yes, pockets!), was pure Hollywood magic for the premiere of La Grazia, Paolo Sorrentino’s drama about a fictional Italian presidency’s final days. Cate’s sustainable slay proves you can recycle and still look like a million bucks - straight outta a Rodeo Drive boutique.

Amal and George Clooney: Power Couple Goals

Next, the ultimate Hollywood power duo, Amal and George Clooney, brought their A-list energy to the Jay Kelly premiere on August 28. Amal owned the night in a fuchsia high-low gown by Jean-Louis Scherrer, with a dramatic train, Aquazzura heels, and a golden clutch - basically giving us SoCal summer sunset vibes. George, meanwhile, kept it classic in a black tux and bow tie, looking every bit the Oscar-winning charmer as he stars in the Netflix-bound Jay Kelly (dropping December 5) alongside Adam Sandler.

Tilda Swinton: Chanel Chic on Opening Night

Tilda Swinton rolled up to the Opening Night Gala in a custom black-and-white Chanel look that had everyone buzzing. Per Elle, this stunner might just tease Chanel’s new artistic director Matthieu Blazy’s runway debut - talk about a fashion scoop! A longtime Chanel muse since Karl Lagerfeld tapped her for the Paris-Edinburgh campaign, Tilda brought that avant-garde edge we’d expect at any Hollywood Hills art party.

“Venice always feels like a dream, but this year, the fashion is stealing the show - it’s like every star brought a piece of Hollywood with them!” - Local fashion insider at the festival.

Emma Stone: Silver Sequin Sensation

Emma Stone, a Louis Vuitton ambassador since 2017, dazzled in a silver sequin dress with a bubble hem and flowing skirt for the Bugonia premiere on August 28. Starring as Michelle Fuller, a pharma CEO kidnapped by conspiracy nuts (played by Jesse Plemons and Aidan Delbis) in this remake of a South Korean flick, Emma’s look was as captivating as her role. It’s the kind of glam we’d see at a Downtown LA gala - pure star power.

Naomi Watts: Fairytale Florals

Naomi Watts channeled straight-up fairytale vibes in a beige Valentino gown with glittering floral appliqués and a black bow at the waist. She supported her husband, Billy Crudup, at the Jay Kelly premiere, joining a stacked cast including George Clooney and Adam Sandler. Her look was like something out of a Griffith Park picnic dream, but make it high fashion.

Heidi and Leni Klum: Matching Mother-Daughter Moment

Heidi Klum and her daughter Leni (shared with businessman Flavio Briatore) turned heads in matching Intimissimi corseted gowns with mesh panels - Heidi in pale pink, Leni in classic black. This duo’s vibe was all about family goals with a side of fierce, like a mother-daughter brunch in Beverly Hills but on a global stage. Heidi’s also mom to Henry, Johan, and Lou with ex-husband Seal, but this night was all about her and Leni.

More Red Carpet Icons Stealing the Show

Laura Dern: Dramatic Two-Tone Glam

Laura Dern wowed at the Jay Kelly premiere in an Armani Privé gown - black bodice fading into a green skirt with a barbed-wire-inspired overlay. Accompanied by her daughter Jaya (an actress herself, known for Teenage Emotions), who she shares with ex Ben Harper, Laura brought that Big Little Lies intensity to Venice. It’s the kind of bold look we’d spot at a Santa Monica art opening.

Jesse Plemons: Conspiracy Cool

Jesse Plemons suited up for Bugonia, where he plays a conspiracy theorist and earned rave reviews - including a six-minute standing ovation, per Variety. Deadline’s Pete Hammond called his performance ‘next level’ and ‘high wacko dimension’ yet grounded. His sharp look matched the buzz - like he just stepped off a Silver Lake film set.

Alicia Silverstone: Cluelessly Chic

Alicia Silverstone made a rare Venice appearance for Bugonia in a long white Prada gown - a stylish take on the classic shirt dress with a shoulder scarf and chiffon skirt. Co-starring with Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons, the Clueless icon brought that ‘90s Valley Girl charm to Italy. It’s a look that’d fit right in at a Melrose Avenue pop-up.

Even More Stars Lighting Up Venice

From Greta Gerwig’s floral Rodarte gown at the Jay Kelly premiere (supporting husband Noah Baumbach’s film) to Shailene Woodley’s leggy black mini dress with a Bulgari choker, the style game stayed strong. Adam Sandler ditched his usual casual fits for a sleek black suit, earning props from co-star George Clooney for his ‘beautiful, wonderful’ acting in the upcoming Netflix release. These looks had all the drama of a Hollywood Boulevard premiere.

Other standouts included Riley Keough, Linda Messerklinger, Rose Villain, Fernanda Torres, Barbara Palvin, Claire Holt, Nicky Passarella, and Betty Bachz, each adding their own flair to the festival. It’s like the whole SoCal scene packed up and moved to Venice for the week - pure star power with an Italian twist.

If you’re as obsessed with these fits as we are, keep your eyes peeled for more updates from the canals. The Venice Film Festival is serving looks hotter than a Venice Beach boardwalk in July, and we’re here for every second of it!