The Middle East talent Venice Film Festival spotlight was undeniable during the 82nd edition, held between August 27 and September 6, 2025. As Armani Beauty, the festival’s official beauty sponsor, hosted a series of glamorous events, regional stars and influencers stood out alongside international celebrities.
The historic Venice Venice Hotel, owned by the founders of Golden Goose, served as a stylish hub for photoshoots and social gatherings. Spanish actor Miguel Ángel Silvestre was among the featured stars, while Tunisian influencers Marwa Agrebi and Sara Cherif, along with Moroccan influencer Meryem Said, attended an elegant cocktail event on Thursday night.
On Friday, the spotlight shifted to the Doge’s Palace overlooking St. Mark’s Square. Armani hosted a grand dinner there, attended by acclaimed Lebanese-Jordanian actress Andria Tayeh, best known for her role in Netflix’s Al Rawabi School for Girls. Recently named Middle East ambassador for Armani Beauty and Kérastase, Tayeh also stepped into television presenting with The Voice Kids. “It was my first ever experience as a presenter, so it’s an honor to do this with my MBC family. All of it is exciting, and I’m loving every second of it,” she shared.
Other high-profile guests at the Armani dinner included supermodel Madisin Rian, award-winning actress Cate Blanchett, actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. The event featured a long table adorned with plush green hydrangeas and crisp white linens, creating an atmosphere of timeless sophistication.
The celebrations continued on Saturday night with Giorgio Armani’s annual afterparty at the Arsenale di Venezia. Guests were treated to archival runway clips from 1975 to 2005 while a DJ kept the energy alive until the early morning hours.
The 82nd Venice Film Festival not only showcased global cinema but also highlighted the rising influence of Middle East talent, whose presence at Armani’s signature events reflected the region’s growing role in the fashion and entertainment worlds.
