Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem cheered on their return to Venice’s red carpet

Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem returned to Venice’s red carpet to loud applause, arriving together for the premiere of their new film, “Bunker.” Hundreds of people gathered outside the Palazzo del Cinema on the Lido to see or photograph the Spanish couple.

Cruz wore a striking red strappy dress, with buttons on the skirt and a matching flower garland around her waist. Bardem chose a formal tuxedo. After posing for photographers, the pair stepped away from the carpet to sign autographs and take photographs with cheering followers.

French director Florian Zeller arrived earlier, along with cast members Patrick Schwarzenegger, Paul Dano and Stephen Graham. Venice has embraced the actors, who have previously won the festival’s Volpi Cup. Cruz won for “Parallel Mothers” in 2021, while Bardem won twice, for “Before Night Falls” in 2000 and “The Sea Inside” in 2004.

The couple have returned to compete for the Golden Lion with “Bunker.” Bardem plays an architect tempted by a technology magnate’s offer to build a refuge. The proposal puts his marriage to Cruz’s character under strain.