ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem Steal Venice Film Festival Red Carpet

festival-fair · 2026-09-09

During the 2024 Venice Film Festival, Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem emerged as the epitome of style at the premiere of their film 'Bunker', which garnered an impressive 15.5-minute standing ovation. Cruz, visibly emotional, donned a bespoke tomato-red gown by Chanel, while Bardem matched her elegance in a traditional black tuxedo. Earlier that day, Cruz arrived at the Hotel Excelsior in a black Ferragamo dress, and Bardem sported a light blue shirt paired with dark jeans. For the photo call, Cruz opted for a black Chanel dress, and Bardem chose a camel suit. In 'Bunker', they portray the characters Miguel and Sofia. The couple first crossed paths in 1992 on the set of 'Jamón, Jamón', with their last major red-carpet event being the 2022 Oscars.

Key facts

  • Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem attended the Venice Film Festival for the premiere of 'Bunker'.
  • 'Bunker' received a 15.5-minute standing ovation, just short of the 17-minute ovation for 'The Room Next Door' in 2024.
  • Cruz wore a custom tomato-red Chanel gown; Bardem wore a classic black tuxedo.
  • Earlier, Cruz wore a Ferragamo dress and Chanel bag; Bardem wore a sky blue shirt and jeans.
  • The couple have been together for nearly 20 years.
  • They first met in 1992 on the set of 'Jamón, Jamón'.
  • Their last major red-carpet appearance was the 2022 Oscars.
  • The film 'Bunker' features them as a married couple, with Bardem's character commissioned to build a bunker for a tech billionaire.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • Venice Film Festival
  • Chanel
  • Ferragamo
  • Hotel Excelsior

Locations

  • Venice
  • Italy
  • Lake Como
  • London

Sources