Lady Gaga Stuns Venice Film Festival in Dior Couture Amidst 'Joker: Folie à Deux' Premiere

Lady Gaga created a sensation at the 2024 Venice Film Festival, marking the debut of her latest film, "Joker: Folie à Deux." Arriving on Thursday, the actress, whose real name is Stefani Germanotta, made waves with her appearance in a stunning black velvet Dior Haute Couture gown, Page Six reported. The dress featured a plunging neckline and a full skirt with dramatic pick-ups, topped off with Giuseppe Zanotti booties and a theatrical Philip Treacy headpiece reminiscent of horned peaks and a lace brim veiling her eyes.

Adding to her glam, Gaga accentuated her look with bold Tiffany & Co. jewelry, including an impressive Tiffany High Jewelry necklace with an 8-carat marquise diamond and 896 brilliant diamonds totaling over 22 carats. Completing the ensemble were spiked diamond earrings, a cluster diamond bracelet, and her massive engagement ring from fiancé Michael Polansky, who later joined her at the premiere, fueling adorable public displays of affection. Social media was ablaze with fan reactions, calling her outfit "sheer magnificence" and "utter perfection."

Earlier in the day, Gaga's large engagement ring sparked attention at a photo call and press conference. Polansky, who reportedly proposed before Gaga's March birthday, saw his fiancée unveil the ring publicly last month. It is estimated by experts to be a 10-carat oval-cut solitaire worth around $1 million.

The evening took an uplifting turn when Gaga, alongside co-star Joaquin Phoenix and director Todd Phillips, received an 11-minute standing ovation at the Sala Grande theatre. The Joker sequel explores Arthur Fleck/Joker's intriguing journey inside Arkham Asylum, where he meets Harley Quinn. The film integrates numerous musical segments, with Phoenix admitting his initial discomfort with singing live. Emphasizing the film’s innovative use of music, Gaga noted its role in expressing characters' inner emotions.

Reflecting on their film journey, Phillips noted his heightened nerves this time around. Returning to Venice felt fitting following the first "Joker" film's success here in 2019, where it won the Golden Lion yet faced critiques dubbing its protagonist the "patron saint of incels."

As the festival circuits, like the Toronto International Film Festival, continue their run, the Venice Film Festival stood out this year for its star-studded guest list, featuring celebrities such as Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Cate Blanchett, and others. The festivals serve as crucial platforms for studios prepping their contenders for the upcoming award season.

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