Armani Beauty Hosts Stars at Venice Film Festival

Armani Beauty served as the official beauty sponsor for the 2026 Venice Film Festival. The brand hosted a series of glamorous events during the opening week, gathering its global ambassadors and launching a new fragrance.

The festival is the world's oldest and is considered as prestigious as Cannes. The partnership aligns with Armani's own cinematic history, which includes costume design for over 100 films such as American Gigolo, The Untouchables, and The Dark Knight.

The Red Carpet and Opening Night

The opening night saw Armani providing official makeup services at the Hotel Excelsior on the Lido. The report describes a behind-the-scenes view of the red carpet, noting the strict timing and the waiting involved for celebrities. Armani ambassador Nicholas Galitzine was among those photographed on the carpet.

The festival's first premiere was Danny Boyle's new film, Ink. The period drama, set in the 1970s, follows Rupert Murdoch and editor Larry Lamb as they try to make The Sun Britain's top-selling paper. The film features Guy Pearce as Murdoch, Jack O'Connell as Lamb, and Claire Foy. The reporter, who attended the screening, gave the film four stars, praising the performances but noting Boyle's reliance on stylistic flourishes.

A Star-Studded Dinner

Armani hosted an intimate dinner in the Royal Gardens, assembling its roster of global ambassadors. The guest list included figures from film, music, and fashion.

Other guests from the entertainment industry included Owen Thiele, Mary Beth Marone, Paige DeSorbo, and Chaise Sui Wonders. The report humorously noted that all attendees shared a meal at one long table.

Fragrance Launch and Awards

A key event for the brand was the launch of its new men's fragrance, I WILL Eau de Parfum. Armani staged a private screening of the I WILL campaign film, which stars ambassador Jonathan Bailey.

The opening night also included a Lifetime Achievement Award for George Clooney. Actor Laura Dern presented the award, delivering a speech that drew on their three-decade friendship. The reporter described Clooney as "handsome and charismatic" and expressed being "gagged" by Dern's appearance. Dern reportedly read messages from friends including Alexander Payne and Brad Pitt.

The report concludes with the author's personal highlight, stating, "My good friend Laura Dern absolutely killed it."