2023 in pictures: celebrities roam the Venice canals, looking their best

The 2023 Venice Film Festival took place in the midst of the actors' and writers' strikes, which caused fewer Hollywood stars to make the trip to the Italian city and watch the latest, acclaimed films on display at the event.

Image: YouTuber Stefanie Williams gracing the red carpet at the Opening Ceremony of the festival

The festival was only slightly deterred by the absence of Hollywood stars. Some of them could still make it because there was an exception in the actors' union for those involved in independent films.

Still, there were lots of high fashion moments to enjoy in the beautiful Venice cityscape. It's the place where celebrities like Rita Ora pose for photos on a water taxi and look fabulous in the setting sun!

A real eye-catcher was Farhana Bodi, the Dubai socialite who spread the train of her layered pink gown over a substantial part of the red carpet. You can follow her in the show 'Dubai Bling' on Netflix.

The famous Rolling Stone's daughter, an accomplished model in her own right, also drew a lot of attention as she strode the red carpet to the premiere of 'Ferrari.'

Georgia May Jagger, wearing a long sheer gown with sequins, took her time to strike poses for the many photographers at the festival. On her belly lay a stone pattern resembling a star.

Much talked about were the several outfits worn by Rita Ora. The singer/songwriter and TV host wore a striking sheer black gown by Stephane Rolland to the amfAR fashion gala.

Rita Ora clearly has a preference for sheer black dresses at the moment, because she wore another one to the DVF Awards gala. This piece was made by Diane Von Furstenberg, the designer that hosted the event.

The American actress and model, with Ukrainian roots, wowed the amfAR gala wearing a pink satin gown with embroidered sequins and crystals. It was a Prada design.

Of course, the protagonist of Sofía Coppola's new film 'Priscilla' had to come to the premiere of the biopic. She wore a simple but elegant black suit with a Chanel bag.

The world-famous model and partner of Cristiano Ronaldo made an impact with this red-on-red piece. Georgina Rodriguez wore a design by Vetements x Elie Saab.

What contrast, but beautifully so, with the outfits worn by director Jane Campion! She opted for jeans, a sweater, and sandals to present herself at the jury photocall.

The British model and socialite, Lady Victoria Hervey, appeared to have a wonderful time at the Venice Film Festival. To the premiere of 'Maestro' she wore an elegant pink gown with embroidered crystals.

On another occasion, she chose a beautiful red, feathered off-shoulder model. Naturally, it looked even better with the Venice canals in the background and the September sun on her hair.

The Mexican actress Federica Garcia is touring film festivals to promote her latest work 'A Cielo Abierto.' For the Venice photocall, she chose a stunning yellow-printed gown with a spectacular train.

The German social media star chose a classic look for the opening red carpet. Her romantic white ballgown was embellished with golden stitched elements.

The 70-year-old French actress has guts when it comes to choosing her red-carpet looks. Much talked about was this silver-fringed gown by Balenciaga. She notably wore it with black platform boots and a wet-look hairstyle.

Earlier she had stood out thanks to the amazing pink fabric of this drape dress with a scarf neck. The material was silk and the designer, once again, Balenciaga. Her jewelry was from Cartier.

At the premiere of 'Priscilla,' the movie about Elvis Presley's former wife, Bella Thorne gave Old Hollywood with this ivory silk dress by Tom Ford.

While she usually likes to wear more steamy creations, Sydney Sweeney attended a Miu Miu party in this romantic polka-dot mini dress from the same designer. She looked cute in the baby pink while the silver sequin neckline gave it just a little bit of an edge.

At the Armani 'One Night Only Venezia' event, Sydney Sweeney picked an imposing Armani Privé gown, laced in black and a bodice embroidered with flowers. The diamond choker was from Bulgari.

German supermodel Toni Garrn wore several shiny and chic dresses to the red carpets of the Venice Film Festival. Here she was at the opening ceremony in a tight silver gown by Alberta Ferretti.

But she might as well show up in a loosely fitting outfit like this one. The yellow combination of a wide shirt and trousers, designed by Bally, appears to be shapeless but accentuates her figure perfectly.

American actress Olivia Hamilton and director Damien Chazelle, the president of the jury, appeared in chic and traditional attire. The star of 'Babylon' and 'La La Land' followed the trend of the low-cut black dress.

The Brazilian model wowed the red carpet with a halter neck gown in shiny gold. She wore droplet earrings and a matching necklace and ring with it, all in red, to contrast the gold.

She arrived by water taxi in the company of her husband, former French president Nicolas Sarkozy, but she walked the red carpet alone. Model and singer Carla Bruni had an Old Hollywood vibe around her in this Valentino halter gown with a crystal rose on top.

Another eye-catcher was the German social media influencer Leonie Hanne with this shiny, gold-colored Bolandy gown.

American actress and comedian Jonica T. Gibbs went with Chanel for the photocall of her latest film 'Dogman.' She looked hip in the black-pink checkered tweed jacket with jeans, and her poses with Caleb Landry Jones, in polka-dot print, made it even edgier.

The actress is wearing Armani of course, as she poses together with Roberta from the famous designer family. Her navy blue dress with flower patterns and matching blazer makes her look very chic.

The actress who played Princess Diana in 'The Crown' surprised everyone with her shaved head and a revolutionary olive Miu Miu combo consisting of knitted panties and a cardigan. The vest left enough buttons open at the bottom for everyone to see the waist of her stockings.

The American actress from 'Scandal' and 'Unprisoned' wore a refreshing look with this Armani Privé 2022 mini dress covered in blue sequins.

Of course, Amal and George Clooney stole the show in the Venice canals. Amal picked a wonderful vintage Dior gown in light pink lace to attend the DVF Awards. They took place at the same time as the Film Festival, so George wasn't breaking the actors' strike here.

The Oscar-winning actress shone in this combination of an Armani Privé embroidered blazer and shiny black pants from the same designer.

'Euphoria' star Maude Apatow shone equally bright in an Armani piece: the silver and grey dress gave her a romantic look.

Tony Leung won the Golden Lion Lifetime Achievement Award for his performances in Hong Kong movies, and his famous wife, actress Carina Lau, cheered him on in her best attire. Her red crocodile blazer from Armani's 2019 collection over a red sequin dress gave Lau an elegant silhouette.

Together with her husband Mark Ronson, actress Grace Gummer showed that they were one of the classiest couples in Venice. She wore a sequined Armani gown with long sleeves and a low cut.

Brazilian game director Ana Ribeiro dressed up as an avatar for the premiere of 'Finalmente l'Alba' ('Finally Drawn'). "From Gamescom to Venice red carpet, I go with my most elegant outfit, ready for the battle!" she posted on X.

She brought her dog and a fabulous black gown - the patroness of the Venice Film Festival, Caterina Murino. The 'Casino Royale' star radiated class in her strapless gown with tulle and a diamond-covered black belt, but her small friend just wanted to get away from it all.

Singapore-based influencer Yoyo Cao, also known for her Instagram handle Yoyo Kulala, brought a more casual look to the Armani evening with a black pantsuit and a generously studded baret.

This Canadian-British actress wore a beautiful strapless blue gown to the premiere of her film, 'L'Ordine Del Tempo' ('The Order Of Time') at the 2023 Venice Film Festival.

Media like The Sun and The Daily Mail claim that she's the new love interest of Harry Styles. But even without him, she shines in front of the 224,000 Instagram followers she's accumulated as a fashion blogger. Her ankle-length gown with beautiful embroidery in the body was signed by Armani.

Next to her husband Patrick Dempsey, who is one of the best-dressed men at the Venice Film Festival, makeup artist Jillian Fink gives her sweet off-white gown a hint of rock 'n' roll with the Celine lambskin jacket over her shoulders.