Cate Blanchett Stuns in Plunging Black Gown at Venice Film Festival Opening with Heidi Klum and Daughter Leni

Cate Blanchett, Heidi Klum, and Leni Shine at Venice Film Festival Opening

Hollywood and fashion royalty descended on the Venice Film Festival’s opening ceremony, with Cate Blanchett, Heidi Klum, and Heidi’s daughter Leni, 21, stealing the spotlight on the red carpet. The star-studded event on August 27, 2025, also featured Tilda Swinton and Barbara Palvin, all showcasing striking haute couture.

Cate Blanchett’s Sustainable Style
Cate, 56, dazzled in a recycled black Armani Privé gown with a plunging neckline and intricate bejeweled detailing—a look she first wore to the 2022 SAG Awards. The Oscar winner accessorized with silver earrings and posed confidently, even showcasing the dress’s practical pockets. Known for her eco-friendly fashion choices, Cate’s reworked ensemble highlighted her commitment to sustainability without compromising glamour.

Cate Blanchett stunned in a recycled Armani gown at the Venice Film Festival.

Heidi Klum & Leni’s Mother-Daughter Moment
Supermodel Heidi, 52, glowed in a champagne-colored gown featuring a sweetheart neckline and a draped waist detail, paired with diamond jewelry and sleek blonde waves. Her daughter Leni matched her elegance in a sheer black dress with a dramatic train, accessorized with an emerald-accented silver necklace. The duo’s coordinated sophistication turned heads, proving style runs in the family.

Heidi Klum and daughter Leni posed together in complementary looks.

Tilda Swinton & Barbara Palvin’s Bold Choices
Tilda Swinton kept it chic in a minimalist white blouse and high-waisted black skirt, exuding timeless grace. Meanwhile, model Barbara Palvin opted for daring allure in a lace-trimmed black gown with a thigh-high slit and flowing train, completed with black kitten heels.

Barbara Palvin commanded attention in a lace-detailed gown.

Film Premiere: La Grazia
The festival opened with Paolo Sorrentino’s La Grazia, starring Toni Servillo as an Italian president torn over legalizing euthanasia while grieving his wife’s death. Sorrentino drew inspiration from a real-life presidential pardon case, calling moral dilemmas “the heart of storytelling.” The film’s poignant themes set a reflective tone for the festival’s lineup.

Tilda Swinton embraced minimalist elegance at the event.

The Venice Film Festival continues through September 6, promising more glamour and cinematic brilliance.

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Images: 5 key red carpet moments + film context