Julia Roberts Dazzles at Venice Film Festival Premiere of “After the Hunt”, Unveiling Versace’s New Era
Venice, Italy – August 29, 2025 – Hollywood icon Julia Roberts made a resounding debut at the prestigious 82nd Venice International Film Festival today, gracing the red carpet for the premiere of her highly anticipated Amazon MGM Studios psychological drama, After the Hunt. At 57, the Oscar-winning actress captivated onlookers not only with her radiant presence but also by serving as the muse for the inaugural designs of Versace’s new Creative Director, Dario Vitale.
Red Carpet Debut: A Versace Vision
Roberts’ grand entrance at the historic Palazzo del Cinema, overlooking the Lido di Venezia, was marked by an exquisite custom Atelier Versace gown. The fitted design, crafted from elegant navy crepe fabric, featured a meticulously handcrafted damier motif, embroidered with black silk thread – a sophisticated statement piece that underscored Vitale’s fresh vision for the legendary Italian fashion house. Her appearance alongside director Luca Guadagnino and co-stars Andrew Garfield, Ayo Edebiri, Chloë Sevigny, Will Price, and Michael Stuhlbarg, created a powerful ensemble moment for the film.
“After The Hunt” Photocall
Earlier in the day, Roberts showcased another Versace by Dario Vitale creation at the film’s photo call. This more understated yet equally chic ensemble comprised a tailored blue wool jacket, striped shirting, and dark denim, accented with a heritage gold buckle belt, woven leather Vienna 95 shoes, and a top-handle leather bag featuring the iconic Medusa twist-lock. These dual appearances solidified Roberts’ role in introducing Vitale’s creative direction to the global stage, marking a significant moment for the brand.
A Playful Arrival
The actress’s arrival in Venice on August 27 had already garnered attention, as she touched down in a playful cardigan adorned with prints of director Luca Guadagnino’s face – a clear nod to their collaboration and the film’s impending premiere. She paired this spirited statement piece with casual canvas sneakers, black shorts, a Celine Medium New Luggage Smile bag, and dark round LAPIMA sunglasses, setting a relaxed yet memorable tone for her festival engagement.
Recent Engagements and The Buzz Around “After the Hunt”
Roberts has maintained a relatively low public profile in recent months, making her red carpet outings select and impactful. This Venice debut follows her glamorous appearance in February 2025 at the 50th César Film Awards in Paris, where she sported a custom Phoebe Philo one-shoulder jumpsuit and Chopard jewelry. Around the same period, she was bestowed with the esteemed “Officier of the Order of Arts and Letters” by the Minister of Culture of France, one of the nation’s highest honors for artists, for which she wore a chic Stella McCartney suit.
After the Hunt promises to be a compelling addition to Roberts’ diverse filmography. The Amazon MGM Studios production, which also features notable performances from Ayo Edebiri and Andrew Garfield, is described as a “gripping psychological drama.” Roberts portrays a college professor who finds herself at a personal and professional crossroads when a star student, played by Edebiri, levels a serious accusation against one of her colleagues, portrayed by Garfield. This pivotal event threatens to expose a dark secret from Roberts’ character’s own past. At CinemaCon 2025 in April, director Guadagnino and stars Garfield and Edebiri lauded Roberts’ “brilliant” work, with Edebiri emphasizing the film’s design for collective viewing, discussion, and deep emotional impact.
