The 22nd Marrakech International Film Festival drew to a spectacular close on Saturday, with Hollywood stars Anya Taylor-Joy and Jenna Ortega commanding attention on the red carpet. The pair, serving as jury members for the event, showcased distinct yet equally chic styles at the festival's finale, held on December 6.
Red Carpet Elegance Takes Centre Stage
Anya Taylor-Joy, the acclaimed star of The Queen's Gambit, made a striking impression in a floor-length black lace gown. The 29-year-old actress's dress featured a plunging neckline and a sheer skirt, embodying effortless sophistication. She elevated her statuesque silhouette with a pair of towering black strappy heels.
Her fellow juror, Wednesday actress Jenna Ortega, 23, opted for a bold pop of colour. She looked radiant in a sleek red floor-length gown with a single sleeve, accessorising with a chunky chrome necklace and matching bracelet. Her glamorous ensemble was completed with a pair of statement chrome platform heels.
A Showcase of Global Style and Talent
The festival's closing ceremony was a veritable parade of international style. Filmmaker Julia Ducournau cut a sophisticated figure in a structured black top and maxi skirt, while director Celine Song chose a simple yet elegant black dress.
Other notable appearances included Vera Brezhneva in a red gown with unique sleeves, Lina El Arabi showcasing her toned physique in a cropped halterneck set, and Mariam Lee Abounououm turning heads in a sparkling red blazer paired with pink flared trousers.
Jury Duty and Award Celebrations
Taylor-Joy and Ortega were joined on the prestigious festival jury by an impressive roster of cinematic talent, including Bong Joon-ho, Celine Song, Julia Ducournau, Karim Aïnouz, Payman Maadi, and Hakim Belabbes. Their task was to judge 14 first and second feature films in a competition dedicated to discovering new international talent.
The ceremony celebrated the winning films, with Anya Taylor-Joy and Vladlena Sandu taking to the stage to receive the Jury Prize Award for the film Memory. Jenna Ortega also presented, joining Luke Tittensor, Elliott Tittensor, and Bong Joon-ho to award the Best Performance From An Actor prize for Straight Circle.
The festival, which ran from November 28 to December 6, solidified its reputation as a key platform for emerging global cinema, blending artistic recognition with undeniable red carpet glamour.
