Every year, the Venice Film Festival produces some of the most glitzy and glamorous red carpets outside of Hollywood—but Parker Posey is one of the few stars you can guarantee is having the most fun doing it all.
The actor took her own turn on the Lido to premiere her new film, Martin McDonagh’s Wild Horse Nine , which is one of the buzziest projects on the 2026 roster. (She co-stars alongside John Malkovich , Sam Rockwell, and Steve Buscemi.) “Venice is a magical city, and getting to celebrate Wild Horse Nine here is a treat,” says Posey of her whirlwind week at the enduringly chic festival.
“I can’t not think of the Renaissance when I’m in Italy—the power of art and the presence of religion—all surrounded by water and reflections. Its baroque beauty is lush and bold!”
Before Posey began to think about attending the photo call and premiere—and, of course, dressing the part—she made sure to take some time for herself. After all, one must sightsee in the romantic, canaled Italian city. “I walked around at every break I’ve had over these past four days,” she says. “I’d find myself in churches lighting candles for my mom, who had surgery this week.”
The star’s other must-see stops in Venice? “I happened upon Santa Maria Novella—my dad wore their Melagrano scent, so I like to smell the fragrances while I’m there,” she says. “I took a peek into Harry’s Bar, which was next door—but no time to sit! Instead, the people-watching happened on the cobblestone paths and in the square.”
At the Santa Maria Novella.
No pretending it’s not hot! Wearing Valentino.
When it was time to switch back into movie star work mode, Posey got to cracking on press interviews and junkets for Wild Horse Nine. The film follows CIA agents Chris (Malkovich) and Lee (Rockwell) on a mission from Santiago to Easter Island in 1973 Chile; Posey plays Marge, wife to Lee.
“Marge is dynamic and layered, like all the characters Martin wrote,” says Posey. “It was fun to bring a whole life to someone on screen, and especially since we don’t see her much in the film.
I saw it last night, and was happy to see how inhabited the film is.”
Just as good as seeing the movie on the big screen was all the high-drama fashion moments Posey created for the glamorous events surrounding the festival. This year, she worked with her go-to stylist Leith Clark to dial up the drama and deliver a full-on ethereal fantasy.
“I’m inspired by all the designers, and when my stylist chooses items, I’m drawn to colors, like the pink Valentino,” says Posey, speaking of the polka-dotted, high-neck mini dress with lace trim she worn to the photo call.
For her approach to dressing in general, Posey says it’s all about looking for pieces that have a story and specific mood. She is not a star who treats fashion frivolously. “I enjoy feeling connected to the women who inspired me growing up,” says Posey. “As a child of the ’70s, I remember women [during times of] early feminism, so when I get to nod to that, I am happy.”
Oh, who cares?! No one! Throw it to the wind!
Her premiere look, also by Valentino, evoked that strength and confidence: Posey wore a sheer, blush-toned cape that extended down to the floor. It was perfect for a formal affair like Venice, but called back to a more unexpected reference beyond Hollywood glamour.
“There was a show called Night Gallery that Rod Serling hosted—this was in the ’70s. It was gothic and surreal, and I loved it,” says Posey.
“The cream dress and cape had me feeling from another realm. I kept saying I was casting spells!
I like to feel bold at these premieres, so strong choices help me feel more secure when I could be overwhelmed—I like looking like I’m showing up!”
She certainly did—fabulously, at that. As for what’s next for Posey now that her epic Venice run is completed?
The actor will be pulling off a different kind of fashion whirlwind on our TV screens very soon. “I have the new Traitors show coming out—fun for the whole family,” she says.
(She will be hosting a spinoff series called The Mob .) “I have some fun wardrobe in that too. It felt like a treasure trove of costumes, the styling for that project.
I hope it inspires some playing around in costumes!” We can’t wait to see what she wears next.
Below, scroll on for more of a look inside Parker Posey’s Venice Film Festival.
They woke me up to fly the plane and I said, “Sure! Let's go for it!” Wearing Oscar de la Renta, Roger Vivier shoes, Valentino sunnies, and Saidian vintage jewelry.
I was joking! This is Captain. He said John Travolta is a good friend, and is also a pilot. I was flattered he seemed to think I’d be interested in becoming a pilot. I stopped taking tests years ago.
I got my my wings…and toothpaste on the corner of my mouth.
What are the odds of running into my old therapist in the airport?! Life is magic—you just gotta pay attention.
That’s Sam Rockwell in mid-yawn!
Jet lag is weird—I only looked at the food, then fell asleep. But you know what’s really weird? My phone blends seamlessly into my dress. Not planned! Wearing Valentino.
Enjoying the breeze with [my manager] Beau and [publicist] Jodi.
Okay, so here is a failed attempt to show Sam how to be physically dynamic in the frame. I’d wanted to position him in the other square that's on the right. It would’ve given some kind of DIY album cover. I lost my momentum and energy a few seconds after this lunge…and when Sam actually thought I’d wanted to do yoga.
This is what I mean by a dynamic photo.
I stopped at a church that I didn’t know the name of.
And I lit a candle for my mom who was in surgery.
I’m not ticklish! Hair by Ken O’Rourke and makeup by Valeria Ferreira.
Harry’s Bar.
And not “Agnees Moorhead in Bewitched !” The cat’s out of the bag now! I am only playing Agnes Moorhead from Bewitched for the rest of my life.
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