Actresses Anya Taylor-Joy and Jenna Ortega showcased a masterclass in monochrome style as they attended the Jury Press Conference for the 22nd Marrakech International Film Festival on Saturday.
Stunning Festival Appearances
The Queen's Gambit star Anya Taylor-Joy, 29, looked incredible in a sophisticated, figure-hugging black dress featuring a square neckline. The elegant ensemble perfectly highlighted her statuesque frame, which she elevated further with a pair of strappy black heels.
Meanwhile, Wednesday actress Jenna Ortega, 23, arrived in a striking black lace bodysuit layered beneath a tailored black blazer. She complemented this edgy look with loose-fitting satin trousers and a pair of black laced combat boots, creating a distinctive fashion statement.
Context: The Wednesday Press Event
This stylish appearance in Morocco comes after Jenna Ortega raised eyebrows with her demeanour during a Wednesday press event earlier this month. The actress appeared alongside the show's cast and creators, including Catherine Zeta-Jones and Luis Guzmán, at a Netflix FYC Event in Los Angeles on November 9.
During the event, a particular moment gained significant attention online after being captured by film blog Rama's Screen. Writer and executive producer Alfred Gough praised Jenna's performance in the upcoming second series, specifically highlighting an episode where her character and Emma Myers' swap bodies.
"She and Emma really took care of each other on that body swap episode," Gough told the audience. "And they took care of each other on set while doing it. It's an extraordinary episode. But Jenna is extraordinary through the entire season and so I will give her the props that she won't give herself."
Online Reaction and Speculation
As Gough delivered his compliment, which was met with applause, Jenna's body language became a focal point for social media users. She was seen turning away from his gaze, resting her chin on her fist and looking in a different direction.
When she responded, Jenna shifted the conversation away from the praise and instead paid tribute to the Wednesday crew. "Actually, I'm very proud of the Irish crew stepping in," she said. "I'm not the one lugging around the equipment and loading trucks every day, showing up and making something that Tim [Burton] said he wanted two minutes ago, it's not easy."
After clips of the interaction circulated online, social media users quickly speculated about a potential rift between the actress and the show's creator. One user on X commented: "Jenna is someone who truly loves her work and gives it everything she has. It honestly makes me so sad to see her like this she's clearly fed up and disappointed."
Another observer noted: "The subtle head shake when he talked about her and Emma, not looking at him the entire time and the instant praise towards the crew to give them love without acknowledging what he said. I know she still has a bit of respect for them but the reaction still says a lot."
The contrast between Jenna's composed festival appearance and the recent online discussion highlights the intense scrutiny facing young actors in the digital age, where every public moment and reaction becomes subject to widespread interpretation and analysis.
