On September 3, Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara made a notable appearance on the red carpet for the premiere of The Voice of Hind Rajab at the Venice International Film Festival. This marked their first shared red carpet moment of 2025, drawing attention due to their rarity and the serious tone of the event.
Both Phoenix and Mara took on roles as executive producers for the film, directed by Kaouther Ben Hania. The cast included Motaz Malhees, Clara Khoury, and Amer Hlehel. The film’s gravity was reflected in the couple’s demeanor; neither was seen smiling, but they stood closely, with arms linked as they posed alongside the rest of the cast.
For the occasion, Mara wore a strapless black mini dress, while Phoenix chose a classic black suit paired with a black collared shirt. The evening was significant for the couple as the film earned high critical praise, highlighted by
“what might be a film festival record 23-minute and 50-second ovation,”
according to Deadline.
The Evolution of Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara‘s Relationship
Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara first crossed paths during the filming of Her in 2013, but their romantic relationship began around 2016 while working on Mary Magdalene. They publicly revealed their relationship at the Cannes Film Festival in 2017.
A source described their interaction at Cannes as
“They were talking to one another nonstop,”
with
“Small talk between them. Then they went for their car and he’s holding her hand like it was unconscious. Like it fits. They seem a totally natural and easy couple.”
Despite being together for nearly a decade, they have kept their relationship private. In a rare interview with Vanity Fair in November 2019, Phoenix opened up about Mara, stating,
“She’s the only girl I ever looked up on the internet,”
and adding,
“We were just friends, email friends.”
Their engagement timeline remains unclear, although Mara was spotted wearing an engagement ring in 2019. The couple are parents to two children—their first son, River Phoenix, named in honor of Joaquin’s late brother who passed in 1993, was born in September 2020. In early 2024, Mara was photographed expecting their second child.
The Significance of Their Public Appearance
This joint red carpet moment is important not only because it breaks their usual privacy but also because it coincides with a critically acclaimed film project that both helped bring to life as executive producers. Their presence at the Venice International Film Festival reaffirms their partnership both professionally and personally. Fans and followers may anticipate more public appearances as the film continues its festival run, while the couple manages to balance their family life under the spotlight.
