After a period of mourning and keeping a low profile, actress Aubrey Plaza made a heartfelt return to the public eye at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. Walking the red carpet for the premiere of her upcoming film Honey Don’t!, Plaza’s appearance was not only a celebration of her work but also a poignant moment following the tragic loss of her husband, writer and director Jeff Baena, earlier this year. With grace and strength, she stood alongside her costars and filmmakers, marking a significant step forward in her personal and professional journey.
A moving return to the spotlight
Aubrey Plaza, known for her sharp wit and unique presence, made her first public red carpet appearance since the heartbreaking death of her husband, writer and director Jeff Baena. On Friday, May 23, the 40-year-old actress walked the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival for the premiere of her new film Honey Don’t! She was accompanied by her co-stars Margaret Qualley and Charlie Day, as well as filmmakers Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke.
For this highly anticipated event, Plaza stunned in a full-length, nude-colored gown embellished with delicate gems. The sleeveless dress featured a sheer overlay that revealed a matching corset, highlighting her graceful figure without overshadowing her natural beauty. Complementing her subtle makeup, she wore dangling diamond earrings, giving her look an understated yet elegant finish.
Coping with loss and honoring her husband
This Cannes appearance comes just months after Plaza suffered an unimaginable personal tragedy. In January, Jeff Baena was found dead at a Los Angeles-area home, with authorities ruling his death a suicide. The sudden loss shocked fans and colleagues alike. Plaza briefly addressed the tragedy on January 6, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support and asking for privacy during an intensely difficult time. Despite her grief, Plaza has remained quietly resilient. She made a public appearance six weeks later at the 50th anniversary celebration of Saturday Night Live, where she paid a subtle tribute to Baena by wearing a tie-dye T-shirt. The tie-dye held special meaning for the couple; during the 2020 quarantine, Baena had developed a passion for tie-dye, and the pair even wore matching tie-dye pajamas as a symbol of their bond.
Their private love story and legacy
Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena’s relationship was one marked by privacy and deep affection. They began dating in 2011 and kept their romance largely out of the public eye. It wasn’t until May 2021 that fans learned they had quietly married, when Plaza affectionately referred to Baena as her “darling husband” in an Instagram post. Their union, while discreet, was clearly meaningful and lasting.
Baena’s contributions as a writer and director left a lasting impact on those who knew him, and Plaza continues to honor his memory while moving forward with her career. Her return to the Cannes Film Festival not only celebrates her professional achievements but also symbolizes a step toward healing after profound loss.
About Honey Don’t! and looking ahead
Honey Don’t! tells the intriguing story of a small-town investigator unraveling a series of mysterious deaths linked to a church. The film, showcasing Plaza’s range as an actress, is set to hit theaters on August 22. Sharing the screen with talented actors and working alongside acclaimed filmmakers at Cannes is a testament to Plaza’s enduring strength and commitment to her craft.
As she navigates this new chapter, Plaza remains an inspiration to fans and peers, demonstrating courage in the face of adversity. Her grace on the Cannes red carpet speaks volumes about her resilience and dedication to her work.
