Nicola Peltz Beckham accepted the Rising Star award at the Kinéo Awards during the 83rd edition of the Venice Film Festival on September 5, 2026. Attending alongside husband Brooklyn Beckham, the actor and filmmaker delivered a speech thanking her family and co-star Faye Dunaway while sporting a purple gown.
Venice Film Festival Honor and Red Carpet Arrival
Stepping back into the international spotlight, Nicola Peltz Beckham arrived at the gardens of the Casa Cinema Giovani and the Sala Grande in Venice, Italy, for the annual Kinéo Awards. The independent ceremony has coincided with the film festival since 2002, though it maintains no official affiliation with the broader international gathering. Arriving hand in hand, husband Brooklyn Beckham helped guide his wife onto the small podium as cameras flashed around the venue.
For the evening, Nicola wore a deep-purple, one-shouldered gown featuring a hood, a twisted, scarf-like bodice, and a ruched, drop-waist skirt that flared into a voluminous train. Brooklyn wore a classic black tuxedo with satin peak lapels and polished Derby shoes, stopping to tend to his wife’s flyaways and plant kisses on her cheek. The appearance marked a rare major red-carpet outing for the couple, who have kept a relatively low profile in recent months aside from an appearance at Elton John’s Oscars viewing party in March.
Multifaceted Career Recognition and Tribute to Faye Dunaway
The Kinéo Awards recognized Nicola for her expanding portfolio as an actress, director, writer, and producer. Organizers highlighted her trajectory in an official statement shared on social media and with the press.
During her acceptance speech, an emotional Nicola fought back nerves as she addressed the audience. Thank you so much for this immense honour,” she told the crowd, adding that receiving an award at the Venice Film Festival is something she will carry with her for the rest of her career. She also used her time at the podium to honor fellow attendee Faye Dunaway, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the same ceremony. Turning to the film legend, Nicola said that learning alongside her has been incredible.
Family Gratitude and Public Support Amid Scrutiny
Beyond her collaboration with Dunaway, Nicola directed her gratitude inward, thanking her parents, her brothers Diesel and Brad, and her husband. To have your support is the reason I can reach to the stars in the first place,
she stated.
The public display of affection in Venice follows a period where Brooklyn stepped in to defend his wife against online commentary. After social media users expressed concern regarding her physical appearance following rigorous preparation for her self-funded drama Prima
—in which she portrays a dedicated ballerina undergoing a strict four-month ballet, diet, and fitness regimen—Brooklyn issued sharp rebukes on social media against critical commenters.
Reflecting on their marriage, Brooklyn previously shared his perspective with British Vogue regarding their life together.
“She changed my whole life around. She’s my best friend, and being married to her is like a never-ending playdate. I fall more in love with her more and more every day. Find that one person, hold onto them, and never let go. It is the most important thing you can do.”
Next Chapters in Directing and Independent Filmmaking
The Venice honor arrives 20 years after Nicola made her screen debut at age 11 in the holiday comedy Deck the Halls
. Her subsequent film credits range from commercial blockbusters like The Last Airbender
(2010) and Transformers: Age of Extinction
(2014) to independent dramas such as Back Roads
(2018), alongside television roles in Bates Motel
, Welcome to Chippendales
, and The Beauty
.
Transitioning firmly behind the camera, Nicola wrote, directed, and starred in her directorial debut Lola
(2024), which she also funded independently.
