Hollywood icon Sharon Stone was visibly moved to tears as she attended the 68th Vienna Opera Ball in Austria on Thursday evening. The prestigious charity event made its glamorous return to the city, with the 67-year-old actress becoming emotional while watching the traditional dancing ceremony unfold.
An Elegant Display of Emotion
Seated in a private box at the historic Wiener Staatsoper opera house, Sharon Stone wiped away tears while maintaining her signature elegance. She wore a striking metallic jacket paired with a black top and patterned trousers, an ensemble specially designed for her by the late fashion legend Valentino.
The actress was accompanied by local entrepreneur Karl Guschlbauer, known as the 'cream roll king' for his chain of bakeries. Despite her emotional moment, Stone was seen smiling during other parts of the performance, clearly enjoying the spectacular evening.
A Star-Studded Guest List
Over 5,000 distinguished guests from politics, business, and culture filled the transformed opera house. Among the notable attendees were model Iris Law, who stunned in a black velvet gown featuring an off-the-shoulder neckline and corset bodice. She completed her look with a diamond choker and slicked-back hairstyle.
The Spencer sisters, Lady Eliza and Lady Amelia, brought their own brand of glamour to the occasion. Amelia chose a silver sequined gown with floral embellishments, which she paired with sophisticated black gloves. Eliza opted for a gold beaded, strapless gown complemented by traditional white opera gloves.
The Grand Tradition Continues
The Vienna Opera Ball dates back to 1814, originally created to entertain aristocracy following the Napoleonic wars. Each year, the historic opera house undergoes a meticulous 30-hour transformation into a magnificent ballroom capable of hosting this grand event.
The ball is renowned for attracting A-list celebrities, a tradition partly established by controversial billionaire Richard Lugner. Before his death in August 2024 at age 91, Lugner reportedly paid thousands to bring celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Geri Halliwell to previous balls.
Rigorous Preparations and Protocol
Preparations for the formal event begin weeks in advance, with 144 young couples aged 17 to 24 dedicating themselves to intensive rehearsals. These debutantes spend countless hours perfecting their Viennese Waltz and finalizing their outfits for the highlight of the ceremony.
Strict dress codes govern the evening: men must wear white ties and tails, while women don floor-length gowns. Female debutantes are required to wear white opera gloves, maintaining the event's traditional elegance.
The Evening's Structure and Significance
The ball commences around 10 PM when the Austrian president and honored guests appear on the imperial balcony. The national anthem plays, followed by the European anthem, setting the tone for an evening that continues until approximately 5 AM.
Attendance comes at a premium price, with general admission costing €395. For the ultimate experience, guests can pay €23,600 for a circle box seating up to 12 people, offering unparalleled views of both the opera performances and the dance floor below.
This year's event continued its legacy of combining cultural tradition with contemporary glamour, creating another unforgettable chapter in the Vienna Opera Ball's storied history.
