Every year, the Venice Film Festival produces some of the most glitzy and glamorous red carpets outside of Hollywood—but few stars are having fun with dressing quite like Parker Posey.
This year, the actor touched down in the Italian city 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 had to even think about attending the movie’s exciting photo call and premiere—and, of course, dressing the part of star for them—the actor made sure to take some time for herself. After all, if you didn’t get to sightsee in the romantic city, why bother going? “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 the historic city? “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. “And 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.”
When it was time to switch back into movie-star work mode, Posey got to cracking on press interviews and junkets around her Wild Horse Nine character. The film follows CIA agents Chris (Malkovich) and Lee (Rockwell) on a mission from Santiago to Easter Island in 1973 Chile; Posey plays Marge, the wife to Lee. “Marge is dynamic and layered, like all the characters Martin wrote,” says Posey of what drew her to the role. “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 that fashionable fun that Posey had for her glam Venice events. 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 [I wore for the photo call]” says Posey, who donned a polka-dotted, high-neck mini dress with lace trim.
