Emma CorrinPhoto: Charlie Clift © Cartier
After witnessing an eight-minute standing ovation at the premiere of Maria the night before—a reception so rapturous that the film’s star, Angelina Jolie, was moved to tears—it was only fitting that Cartier’s celebration of this year’s Venice Film Festival was an ode to music and cinema. Friday night, at the San Lorenzo Church in the city’s Castelli district, Cartier hosted a dazzling soirée to honor its partnership with the festival. The event, a highlight among the week’s many glittering parties, saw guests such as Tilda Swinton, Isabelle Huppert, Amal Clooney, and Emma Corrin arrive on boats to celebrate Italy’s rich musical and cinematic heritage.
The evening began with an homage to Maria Callas, as mezzo-soprano Lea Desandre took center stage, followed by a spoken word performance from actor Amira Casar, the evening’s host. The recital celebrated the legendary diva’s collaborations with cinematic giants such as Luchino Visconti and Franco Zeffirelli, the night recognized many of the greatest moments from across the decades when music and film have met.
Patti Smith watched on in delight as celebrated composer Nicola Piovani performed scores from Italian cinematic classics, such as Federico Fellini’s La voce della luna and Roberto Benigni’s La vita è bella. The musical performance was followed by a dinner crafted by chef Massimiliano Alajmo, and the performances continued as a trio of ballerinas opened and closed dinner.
As Rami Malek told Vogue during the event: “Cartier galvanizes everyone in the most extraordinary places and reminds us about what is special, unique, and cherished by all of us. To be able to arrive somewhere in a boat in one of the most nostalgic iconic places in the world and pay tribute to the people who live here with appreciation and respect is what the brand strives for day in and day out.” If the night was anything to go by, that goal was achieved.