Filmmakers Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig made a striking and rare red carpet appearance at the Venice Film Festival on August 28 during the premiere of Baumbach’s new film, Jay Kelly. The celebrated collaborators and private couple, married two years ago, attracted attention for their subtle yet affectionate presence, showcasing their personal and professional partnership to fans and media alike.
A Distinctive Appearance by Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig at Venice
At the Venice Film Festival, Greta Gerwig stood out in an elegant one-shoulder black gown patterned with florals and finished with a tulle train. Her stylish look was enhanced by a slicked-back blonde bob and bold silver jewelry from Pomellato, paired with black stilettos. Noah Baumbach complemented her sophistication with a timeless tuxedo. Throughout their time on the carpet, the couple shared quiet, sweet moments — laughing together and holding hands — highlighting their enduring connection amid the glamour of the event.
The Creative Partnership Behind Their Collaboration
Baumbach and Gerwig’s relationship began over a decade ago on the set of Greenberg, and since 2013’s Frances Ha, they have worked closely as collaborators on nearly every film project. Baumbach directed and co-wrote the George Clooney film Jay Kelly, in which Gerwig also stars. Their deep creative synergy underpins both their personal and professional dynamics.
Before releasing the film White Noise in 2022, Baumbach spoke at the BFI London Film Festival about discovering Gerwig’s talent as a writer.
“What I didn’t know is that Greta was this incredible writer,”
he said.
I mean, I had a feeling she’d be a great collaborator, but that writing really was kind of her thing when she was in college, and so I really lucked out. It was amazing.
—Noah Baumbach, Director
Gerwig, while pursuing some solo projects such as the upcoming Narnia adaptation, emphasized the deep professional and personal influence Baumbach holds in her life.
“He’s also this incredibly important collaborator and influence on me,”
she told Vogue in 2019 shortly after the birth of their eldest son Harold.
The most important.
—Greta Gerwig, Writer-Director
She described her off-set time as mostly spent
“just hanging out with Noah and the baby, and writing, and making each other laugh.”
—Greta Gerwig
Supporting the Venice Festival: Other Noteworthy Attendees
The Venice Film Festival also showcased numerous other stars gracing various premieres during the event, contributing to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.
Premiere Highlights: After the Hunt
Julia Roberts appeared at the After the Hunt premiere on August 29, dazzling in a black Roger Vivier gown. Notably, the Pretty Woman star playfully embraced the event by wearing a cardigan covered in prints of director Luca Guadagnino’s face, showing her personal support for the film.
Andrew Garfield added sophistication to the same premiere in a sleek blue suit, while Ayo Edebiri, known for The Bear, impressed in a striking floor-length red dress. Chloe Sevigny captured attention wearing a Saint Laurent dress paired with Tiffany & Co. jewelry, further elevating the event’s glamor.
Footprints at Jay Kelly’s Premiere
At the Jay Kelly premiere on August 28, Billy Crudup and Naomi Watts showcased their affectionate rapport on the red carpet, drawing fans’ admiration. Shailene Woodley was also present, there to support her The Descendants co-star George Clooney as he promoted the film. Emma Stone appeared in a floor-length silver gown to celebrate the premiere of Bugonia that same evening, accompanied by her husband Dave McCary, with whom she shares daughter Louise Jean.
George Clooney and Amal Clooney also graced the premiere event, displaying their renowned red carpet elegance. Amal stunned in a vivid fuchsia dress, while George maintained his usual polished look in a classic black tuxedo. Their appearance was significant, as they share eight-year-old twins Ella and Alexander, highlighting the family’s presence in the film world.
Additional Festival Highlights
The Sandler family also made a notable appearance, with comedian Adam Sandler attending alongside his wife Jackie and daughters Sunny and Sadie, marking a warm family moment at the Jay Kelly premiere. Alicia Silverstone appeared for Bugonia’s Venice debut, making a rare festival appearance. Jesse Plemons, recognized as Mr. Kirsten Dunst, attended Bugonia’s premiere as well, dressed in a sharp suit.
Laura Dern brought attention not only as an actress in Jay Kelly but also as a proud mother, attending with her daughter Jaya Harper. Riley Keough added flair in a ruffled blouse at the same premiere, standing out among the crowd. Fashion icons such as Heidi Klum and her daughter Leni Klum walked the red carpet on August 27, with Heidi favoring a red pantsuit and Leni accompanying her stylishly.
Elegance at Opening Night
Opening night also welcomed luminaries like Cate Blanchett, who shone in a plunging Armani Privé gown at La Grazia’s premiere. Barbara Palvin added to the event’s allure with a tasteful Intimissimi dress, while Tilda Swinton impressed in her classic black-and-white attire. These appearances underscored the festival’s reputation for drawing celebrated talent each year.
The Unique Blend of Personal and Professional Life
Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig’s joint appearance at Venice represents more than a red carpet moment; it’s a testament to a rare balance between creative collaboration and private family life. The couple, parenting sons Harold and another two-year-old whose name remains private, continues to integrate their roles as partners and artists seamlessly.
As they bring new stories to global audiences and maintain a strong personal bond, Baumbach and Gerwig’s presence embodies a hopeful and determined spirit within the film industry. Their ongoing collaboration signifies not just shared success but mutual inspiration that fuels their projects and resonates with fans and critics alike.
With Baumbach’s Jay Kelly now debuting on the festival circuit and Gerwig leading significant projects like Narnia, audiences can expect their influence to grow in upcoming cinematic landscapes, further solidifying their partnership both on screen and off.
