From Kendall Jenner to the Clooneys: This is Where the A-list Stays for the Venice Film Festival

Founded in 1932, the Venice International Film Festival holds the distinction of being the oldest film festival in the world. Conceived as part of the Venice Biennale, it quickly established itself as a vital platform for showcasing cinematic innovation and celebrating the artistry of filmmaking. Its initial years were marked by a fervent embrace of the medium, drawing European royalty and burgeoning film stars alike. However, it was in the post-war era, particularly the vibrant 1950s, that the festival truly cemented its legendary reputation for glamour. This decade saw a burgeoning global celebrity culture, and the Lido became its quintessential playground. Iconic moments, etched forever in the annals of pop culture, include the captivating Brigitte Bardot, then a rising star, posing with effortless chic on the sun-drenched grass, her natural beauty and playful demeanor captivating the hordes of paparazzi. Similarly, the legendary Elizabeth Taylor, already a titan of the silver screen, famously took a refreshing dip in the lido at the historic Hotel Excelsior Venice, her spontaneous act becoming a symbol of the era’s uninhibited glamour and the intimate connection between stars and this enchanting locale. These moments weren’t merely candid snapshots; they were carefully choreographed performances and serendipitous occurrences that shaped the public’s perception of stardom and the festival itself, intertwining the destiny of Venice with the magic of cinema. The festival’s unique setting – the Lido di Venezia, an elegant strip of land separating the Venetian Lagoon from the Adriatic Sea – offers a distinct blend of old-world charm, beachside leisure, and grand architectural statements, providing an unparalleled stage for these cinematic spectacles.

Fast forward to today, and the festival remains just as star-studded, a testament to its unwavering prestige. The 83rd Venice International Film Festival, which built upon a legacy spanning more than eight decades, hosted an array of contemporary actors, supermodels, and musicians. From the esteemed Laura Dern, celebrated for her nuanced performances and independent spirit, to the enigmatic Robert Pattinson, a leading figure in contemporary cinema, the acting world was well represented. The fashion realm brought its own brand of dazzle with supermodel Irina Shayk gracing the red carpet, embodying modern elegance. Even the music industry made its mark, with figures like Liam Gallagher adding an unexpected, yet welcome, dimension to the diverse celebrity mix. This eclectic blend of talent from film, fashion, and music underscores the festival’s evolving role as a broader cultural event, where different creative industries intersect and celebrate shared aesthetics and global influence. The films presented, often world premieres, serve as crucial launchpads for awards season, with many going on to critical acclaim and Oscar glory, further elevating the festival’s significance beyond mere glamour.

Much of this iconic red carpet action, the very heart of the festival’s public spectacle, traditionally unfolds at the majestic Hotel Excelsior Venice. Since 1932, this grand dame of the Lido has served as the main event venue, its Moorish-inspired architecture and opulent interiors providing a dramatic backdrop for arrivals, press conferences, and gala dinners. The hotel itself is a living piece of history, an architectural marvel completed in 1908, designed by Giovanni Sardi. Its distinctive domes, arches, and grand salons evoke a sense of exotic luxury, perfectly complementing the glamour of the festival. For decades, it has witnessed countless cinematic triumphs and star-studded encounters, its corridors echoing with the whispers of deals made and legends born.

Notably, following a three-year closure for an extensive and ambitious refurbishment, the Hotel Excelsior gloriously reopened last year (2025), just in time to host the 83rd festival. This grand renovation was not merely cosmetic; it was a comprehensive revitalization aimed at preserving the hotel’s historical integrity while seamlessly integrating modern amenities and sustainable practices. Expert artisans meticulously restored intricate frescoes, polished marble, and rejuvenated the expansive private beach. The boldly striped suites, a signature feature of the Excelsior, were reimagined with a blend of classic Venetian elegance and contemporary comfort, offering guests an unparalleled luxury experience. Consequently, many of this year’s most distinguished attendees – including acclaimed actresses Kate Mara, Claire Foy, and Maggie Gyllenhaal – chose to immerse themselves in this revitalized grandeur, experiencing firsthand the meticulous blend of heritage and cutting-edge luxury that the new Excelsior offers. Staying at the Excelsior places guests at the very epicenter of the festival, offering direct access to the red carpet, press events, and the vibrant atmosphere that pulses throughout the Lido during the cinematic fortnight.

However, the Hotel Excelsior Venice is not the only top hotel in Venice known to host film festival attendees. For A-listers who prioritize discretion and an even more secluded brand of luxury, a different kind of Venetian experience beckons. These discerning guests often seek refuge from the relentless flashes of paparazzi and the bustling crowds of the Lido, opting for havens that offer unparalleled privacy without compromising on opulence.

One such sanctuary is Aman Venice. Nestled within the magnificent 16th-century Palazzo Papadopoli on the Grand Canal, Aman Venice offers an experience of extraordinary exclusivity. With only 24 opulent rooms and suites, each exquisitely appointed and many adorned with original frescoes and Rococo art, it provides an intimate and profoundly luxurious retreat. The palazzo itself is a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture, featuring private gardens (a rarity in Venice), two private water entrances, and breathtaking views of the Grand Canal. The allure of Aman Venice extends beyond its physical beauty; it’s the promise of an utterly discreet and personalized service that draws the world’s elite. Its reputation for privacy was famously underscored in 2014 when George and Amal Clooney chose the Palazzo Papadopoli location as the venue for their high-profile wedding. This event, meticulously planned to ensure utmost secrecy, catapulted Aman Venice into the global spotlight as the epitome of private, sophisticated luxury, confirming its status as the preferred hideaway for those seeking an escape from intense public scrutiny, even during the most high-profile of events like the film festival. For stars navigating a demanding festival schedule, the ability to retreat to a tranquil, private haven while still being minutes away from the main events by water taxi is an invaluable luxury.

To be even further removed from the frenetic energy of the festival and truly escape the constant flashes of paparazzi, Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice, stands as another long-time favourite for the world’s most famous stars. Located on the tranquil eastern tip of the Giudecca island, a short, scenic boat ride across the lagoon from St. Mark’s Square, the Cipriani offers a serene oasis of timeless elegance. Established in 1958 by Giuseppe Cipriani, the visionary behind Harry’s Bar, the hotel exudes a classic Venetian charm, characterized by its sprawling gardens, Olympic-sized saltwater pool (the only one in Venice), and unparalleled views of the Doge’s Palace. Its peaceful location has made it a cherished sanctuary for generations of celebrities seeking a reprieve from the public eye. Legendary figures from the Golden Age of Hollywood, such as the inimitable Sophia Loren and the debonair Cary Grant, were frequent guests, drawn to its discreet luxury and impeccable service. In more recent times, stars like Jennifer Lawrence and Lady Gaga have followed suit, appreciating the hotel’s ability to blend old-world glamour with contemporary comfort, all within an atmosphere of utmost privacy and tranquility. The Cipriani offers a different kind of festival experience – one where the star can unwind, recharge, and enjoy Venice’s beauty at a more leisurely pace, knowing that the festival’s hub is just a short, private boat ride away whenever they choose to re-enter the spotlight.

The Venice International Film Festival, therefore, is not merely a parade of red carpet ensembles or a platform for cinematic premieres; it is a meticulously curated experience woven into the very fabric of Venice. It is a place where history meets modernity, where the whispers of cinematic legends past mingle with the buzz of contemporary stars, and where luxury accommodations provide both the grand stage and the private sanctuary for the world’s most celebrated figures. As the 83rd edition demonstrated, the festival’s unique blend of artistic integrity, unparalleled glamour, and iconic Venetian backdrops ensures its enduring legacy, promising many more decades of unforgettable moments and star-studded spectacles.