Top Jewelry Moments at Venice Film Festival 2026

The 83rd annual Venice Film Festival 2026 opened on the Lido island on September 2nd, running through September 12th. The ten-day event serves as a showcase for films, but it is also a major gathering for the fashion industry. Attendees walked the Sala Grande in a mix of heritage brands and modern couture, but the conversation often shifted to the accessories. The red carpet this year was defined by a variety of jewelry choices ranging from vintage heirlooms to high-jewelry parures.

Opening Night and Key Figures

The festival festivities began with the opening ceremony, where George Clooney received the honorary Golden Lion lifetime achievement award. His wife, Amal Clooney, stood by his side. Laura Dern, who presented the honor, wore a cotton-candy pink Prada dress paired with diamond and gemstone feathers from Cartier. This set a tone for the evening that balanced elegance with performance-ready glamour.

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Venice Film Festival organizers chose the island of Lido for its unique setting. This year’s main competition jury includes actresses and directors from diverse backgrounds. Maggie Gyllenhaal will preside over the panel. The jury also features Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, composer Daniel Blumberg, French filmmaker Xavier Giannoli, Afghan filmmaker Shahrbanoo Sadat, and Hong Kong filmmaker Johnnie To.

Jewels on the Carpet

Model Kendall Jenner attended the Wild Horse Nine premiere. She wore a classic embroidered champagne-colored vintage Giorgio Armani dress from the Fall/Winter 1995 ready-to-wear collection. Her look was anchored by Shadow earrings from Briony Raymond, an 8-carat cushion-cut diamond drop set in 18-karat yellow gold. The simplicity of the dress allowed the dramatic drop earring to command attention without competition.

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Stylist Austen Turner handled Chase Sui Wonders’ appearance, ensuring the jewelry layering felt intentional rather than cluttered. She opted for an eclectic mix of vintage and modern pieces, wearing rings by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co., including an Ailsa aquamarine ring and a Bird on a Rock Wings ring. To add a unique touch, she pinned a Bird on a Rock brooch—featuring over 13 carats of diamonds and a pink sapphire—to a ribbon around her neck.

Actor Nicholas Galitzine kept things understated. He appeared in a pique bib-front tuxedo shirt without a jacket. Adding visual interest, he pinned a vintage-inspired diamond brooch to his collar. The choice reflects a trend where men use brooches to personalize standard formal wear, transforming a generic look into something bespoke.

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Laura Dern returned to the carpet for the Ink screening. Stylist Elizabeth Stewart styled her, ensuring her consistent appearances highlighted the importance of jewelry in the visual storytelling of the festival.

The 83rd Venice International Film Festival continues through the end of the week. As the films are screened, the red carpet remains a primary source of fashion coverage. The mix of established stars and new talent ensures that the jewelry trends observed this year will likely influence awards season ready-to-wear looks in the coming months.