We’ve seen plenty of celebrity couples in Venice these past few days. But, with all due respect and without offending anyone, the quintessential couple of world cinema arrived tonight—Monday, September 7, 2026—at the Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido. We’re talking about Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem, who have just arrived in Venice—and, figuratively speaking, at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. They are the most eagerly awaited names in the city over the past few hours, as well as the most beloved on the big screen. A winning duo in life and on set, they reunite this time in “Bunker,” a film by Florian Zeller presented in the Competition section of the festival.
And also on the Excelsior pier, which welcomed the Oscar-winning couple, along with the usual photographers who couldn’t resist capturing one of the most beautiful couples in show business. Javier wore a light blue shirt paired with midnight blue pants and a pair of white sneakers. Penélope wore a black midi dress with a deep V-neckline and three-quarter sleeves, featuring an elegant wrap-style drape that fastened at the hip with a gold brooch and then flowed softly down the length of the dress. The dress was paired with black patent leather high-heeled slingbacks, and to complete the look, a beige Chanel bag with a chain shoulder strap and dark sunglasses with gold frames—a perfect echo of the other shimmering details.
