TV & Movies

21 Fabulous Moments From Venice Film Festivals Past

By Vogue
Image may contain Sophia Loren Clothing Apparel Human Person Evening Dress Fashion Gown and Robe
Photo: Getty Images

First held in 1932 as the Esposizione d’Arte Cinematografica—then just a section of the Biennale—the Venice Film Festival is not only the oldest festival of its kind in the world, but also the most glamorous (with the possible exception of Cannes). Its upcoming 80th edition is set to feature a host of buzzy releases, from Priscilla and Poor Things to Ferrari and Maestro, but in light of the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, it’s still uncertain exactly how many Hollywood heavyweights will receive waivers allowing them to descend on the Lido for the usual cycle of parties and premieres. As we await more news, revisit the most glamorous images from the festival through the years, below.

  • Image may contain Clothing Shorts Apparel Maria Callas Human Person Water Transportation Vehicle and Vessel
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    1/21

    1942

    Maria Callas basks in the Italian sunshine in a patterned ’40s swimsuit.

  • Jean Cocteau eyes French actor Jean Marais at a caf during the 8th Venice Film Festival.
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    2/21

    1947

    Jean Cocteau eyes French actor Jean Marais at a café during the 8th Venice Film Festival.

  • Magda Schneider and Romy Schneider settle in for a screening of Andr Cayattes An Eye for an Eye.
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    6/21

    1957

    Magda Schneider and Romy Schneider settle in for a screening of André Cayatte’s An Eye for an Eye.

  • Image may contain Shirley MacLaine Sunglasses Accessories Accessory Clothing Apparel Human Person Sleeve and Shorts
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    7/21

    1960

    Shirley MacLaine on her way to Venice to promote Billy Wilder’s The Apartment.

  • Elizabeth Taylor goes barefoot on the Lido beach during the festival in 1950.
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    8/21

    1950

    Elizabeth Taylor goes barefoot on the Lido beach during the festival in 1950.

  • Image may contain Human Person Clothing Apparel Wallis Simpson Banister Handrail Shoe Footwear Shorts and Railing
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    9/21

    1956

    The Duke and Duchess of Windsor leaving the Hotel Excelsior while attending the 1956 festival.

  • Image may contain Paul Newman Human Person Transportation Vehicle Suit Coat Clothing Overcoat and Apparel
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    10/21

    1963

    Paul Newman catching a water taxi—with a sailor cap on the dashboard—after presenting his 1963 Western, Hud.

  • Image may contain Human Person Clothing Apparel Face Kirk Douglas and Skin
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    11/21

    1953

    Kirk Douglas signs a fan’s belly before a dip in the lagoon.

  • Image may contain Richard Wright Clothing Apparel Accessories Accessory Tie Person Human Overcoat Suit and Coat
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    15/21

    1950

    Richard Wright beaming during the 1950 festival, which he attended to promote the Hollywood adaptation of his novel Native Son. 

  • Image may contain Diana Dors Vehicle Transportation Boat Watercraft Vessel Human Person Gondola Outdoors and Water
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    16/21

    1955

    British actor Diana Dors wears a mink bikini while riding in a gondola near St. Mark’s Square.

  • Image may contain Gina Lollobrigida Human Person Outdoors Garden and Plant
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    17/21

    1956

    Italian actor Gina Lollobrigida greets admirers from her hotel room terrace during the 17th Venice International Film Festival.

  • Image may contain Furniture Chair Countryside Shelter Outdoors Nature Rural Building Human Person and Clothing
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    18/21

    1955 

    Hedy Lamarr and her second husband, American entrepreneur W. Howard Lee, enjoy a moment together on a sunbed.

  • Image may contain Water Waterfront Human Person Dock Port Pier and Marisa Allasio
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    19/21

    1956

    Caryl Gunn zips down a water slide followed by Italian actor Marisa Allasio.

  • Image may contain Human Person Clothing Apparel Claudia Cardinale Face Transportation Vehicle Rowboat and Boat
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    20/21

    1965

    Claudia Cardinale became a paparazzi magnet during the 1965 festival, where she presented her drama Sandra (Vaghe Stelle Dell’Orsa).

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