Joaquin Phoenix Venice Film Festival spotlighted a rare and intimate red carpet outing for Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara on September 3, 2025. The couple appeared together at the Venice Film Festival premiere of The Voice of Hind Rajab, a poignant film executive produced by Phoenix, Mara, and Brad Pitt, highlighting a tragic story from the Gaza Strip.
A Night of Elegance and Solidarity at the Film Premiere
On the evening of September 3, Joaquin Phoenix, age 50, arrived dressed impeccably in a sleek black suit paired with matching dress shoes. Standing beside him was Rooney Mara, 40, who captivated onlookers in a coordinating black strapless mini dress and stilettos. Their presence at the festival was notably rare, marking a special public appearance for the couple.
During the photo opportunities, Phoenix tenderly wrapped his arm around Mara’s waist as they posed alongside The Voice of Hind Rajab’s writer and director, Kaouther Ben Hania, and cast members Motaz Malhees and James Wilson. This visual underscored their united front as not only partners in life but collaborators in storytelling.
The film takes a powerful focus on the real-life account of a five-year-old Palestinian girl who lost her life during an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) invasion of the Gaza Strip. The screening deeply moved the audience, culminating in an extraordinary 21-minute standing ovation for the cast, crew, and especially the producing team including Phoenix and Mara.
The Couple’s Journey: From Co-Producers to Devoted Parents
Beyond their collaborative efforts to bring The Voice of Hind Rajab to the screen, Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara share a close personal life with two children— their son River, who is four years old, and a newborn born in 2024 whose name remains private. Their partnership reflects a blend of artistic collaboration and familial devotion.
Phoenix previously described the uniqueness of their relationship in a 2019 interview with Vanity Fair, recalling how his interest went beyond the usual boundaries.
“She’s the only girl I ever looked up on the internet,”
he stated, referring to Mara.
“We were just friends, email friends. I’d never done that. Never looked up a girl online.”
—Joaquin Phoenix, Actor
Rooney Mara has also expressed her gratitude for their growing family, highlighting how parenthood has reshaped her worldview.
“Raising our baby, River, has opened my heart to a whole new life filled with hope and more determination than ever to create a kinder and more sustainable world,”
“I feel so fortunate to be able to nurture my son in all of the ways that nature intended.”
—Rooney Mara, Actress
Notable Attendees at the 2025 Venice Film Festival Red Carpet
The 2025 Venice Film Festival drew an array of high-profile stars from across the entertainment industry, many making striking appearances at various premieres and galas.
Adrian Grenier returned to the red carpet for the premiere of In the Hand of Dante, demonstrating his enduring appeal in Hollywood.
Idris Elba and Sabrina Dhowre Elba appeared joyful at the premiere of A House of Dynamite on September 2, showcasing their celebrated presence as a couple.
Greta Lee made a stunning impression in a Dior dress paired with Tiffany & Co. platinum jewelry, also attending the A House of Dynamite premiere.
Jason Momoa attracted attention with his bold choice of a pink suit on September 3, highlighting his confident style at the festival.
Rebecca Ferguson captivated onlookers in a sculptural black gown during the A House of Dynamite screening.
Amanda Seyfried graced the The Testament of Ann Lee premiere in a striking Prada gown, notable for a dramatic red bow detail.
At the premiere of The Smashing Machine on September 1, the music and acting power couple Halsey and Avan Jogia walked the carpet together, exuding effortless cool.
Jacob Elordi gave a thumbs up to photographers arriving at the screening of his new movie Frankenstein on August 30.
Emily Blunt shimmered at the same event wearing a glittering Tamara Ralph dress.
Oscar Isaac impressed with a sharp appearance at Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein premiere also on August 30.
Kaia Gerber and Lewis Pullman were seen stepping out of their hotel, adding to the buzz as a new couple experiencing the festival together.
Sofia Carson wowed audiences at amfAR Gala Venezia 2025 in an elegant Elie Saab gown on August 31.
Jude Law, Alicia Vikander, and Paul Dano arrived together for the premiere of The Wizard of the Kremlin on August 31, demonstrating strong star power.
Dwayne Johnson showcased a striking weight loss transformation ahead of his role in The Smashing Machine at the Miu Miu Women’s Tales event.
Callum Turner emerged as a leading contender for the next James Bond role, appearing dapper in a Louis Vuitton tuxedo while attending Venice for Frankenstein.
Paris Jackson brought both style and music to the amfAR Gala, performing for guests while wearing a beautiful ombré dress.
Jesse Williams and Colman Domingo were also part of the amfAR Gala festivities, adding to the event’s star-studded atmosphere.
Kaitlyn Dever impressed in a chic Armani outfit at the Frankenstein premiere, while Aaron Taylor-Johnson surprised with a rugged new look featuring a beard and curls.
Julia Roberts made a stunning appearance in a Roger Vivier black gown at the After the Hunt premiere. Andrew Garfield complemented the event in a sharp blue suit, while Ayo Edebiri dazzled in a floor-length red dress.
Chloe Sevigny stole attention in a Saint Laurent dress with Tiffany jewelry during the same premiere, adding glamour to Luca Guadagnino‘s latest work.
Billy Crudup and Naomi Watts displayed affectionate moments while attending the red carpet for Jay Kelly, as Shailene Woodley supported co-star George Clooney’s new film the same evening.
Emma Stone attracted accolades in a floor-length silver gown for the Bugonia premiere, which was also attended by Alicia Silverstone, who made a rare festival appearance.
Amal and George Clooney exemplified red carpet royalty with Amal in fuchsia and George in a classic tuxedo, highlighted during the Jay Kelly premiere.
The festival also featured a family moment for Adam Sandler, who appeared alongside his wife Jackie and daughters Sunny and Sadie, showing a warm personal side amid the glitz.
Venice Festival’s Cultural Impact and What Lies Ahead
The 2025 Venice Film Festival continues to serve as one of the most prestigious platforms for cinematic storytelling, drawing luminaries who blend artistry with advocacy. Phoenix and Mara’s involvement in a deeply political film like The Voice of Hind Rajab reflects the festival’s role in highlighting urgent global issues through film.
The remarkable standing ovation following the screening emphasizes the increasing appetite for films that confront difficult realities with compassion and urgency. As Phoenix and Mara continue to nurture their partnership on screen and off, their presence at Venice reinforces how film can be both a form of personal expression and powerful activism.
With the festival drawing to a close, attention will turn to the upcoming award seasons, where several films premiered here are strong contenders. The participation of stars such as the Clooneys, Jason Momoa, and emerging frontrunners like Callum Turner suggests Venice remains a vital springboard for both established and rising talents in the industry.
For Joaquin Phoenix Venice Film Festival appearances mark meaningful moments that blend his artistic pursuits with his personal life, underscoring the importance of storytelling in shaping global conversations moving forward.
