The Middle East Venice Film Festival spotlight was undeniable at the 82nd edition, held from August 27 to September 6, 2025. Celebrities and influencers from across the region brought glamour and cultural pride to the prestigious event, enhanced by Armani Beauty’s role as the official beauty sponsor.
The opulent Venice Venice Hotel, owned by the founders of Golden Goose, provided a stunning backdrop for high-profile gatherings. Spanish actor Miguel Angel Silvestre joined Armani’s photo shoots, while Tunisian influencers Marwa Agrebi and Sara Cherif, along with Moroccan star Meryem Said, attended a glittering cocktail evening that showcased the region’s rising influence in global fashion and film.
On Friday, Armani hosted a grand dinner at the Doge’s Palace overlooking St. Mark’s Square. Among the standout guests was Lebanese-Jordanian actress Andria Tayeh, famed for her role in Netflix’s Al Rawabi School for Girls. Recently appointed as the Middle East ambassador for Armani Beauty and French luxury brand Kérastase, Tayeh is also exploring new horizons as host of The Voice Kids. “It was my first ever experience as a presenter,” she shared. “Being part of this journey with my MBC family is an honor, and I’m enjoying every moment.”
The star-studded dinner featured an elegant long table adorned with plush green hydrangeas and white linens. Global icons such as Cate Blanchett, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and supermodel Madisin Rian added to the glamour of the evening.
The celebrations culminated on Saturday night with Giorgio Armani’s annual afterparty at the Arsenale di Venezia. Guests were treated to archived runway footage spanning 1975 to 2005 while a live DJ kept the atmosphere vibrant until dawn, closing the festival on a stylish note.
The Middle East Venice Film Festival presence not only highlighted the region’s emerging talent but also underscored its growing cultural impact on the global stage. From Andria Tayeh’s red-carpet moments to Armani’s immersive soirées, Middle Eastern stars left a lasting mark on one of the world’s most prestigious film gatherings.
