Olivia Wilde captured attention on the red carpet at the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland on Saturday, wearing a plunging leather dress that transitioned into a blush pink gown.
During a press conference for her latest film, "The Invite," Wilde, 42, revealed that the project has imbued her with a more romantic outlook. "The Invite," which has garnered positive reviews, centers on a couple navigating marital challenges after hosting friends.
Wilde reflected on the film's themes, stating it has "melted the cynic out of me." She elaborated on how conversations with individuals in long-term marriages have underscored the possibility of renewed relationships within a single partnership, a concept she finds more meritorious than previously considered.
"The Invite" stars Wilde as Angela and Seth Rogen as Joe, a couple whose marriage is described as being "on thin ice" before an evening with their neighbors, played by Penelope Cruz and Edward Norton, takes an unexpected turn.
This reflection on romance follows Wilde's recent comments about her feelings regarding being named Maxim's Hot 100 list nearly two decades ago. She expressed mixed sentiments about the honor, calling it "the most f***** up thing in the world" in a "Call Her Daddy" podcast appearance. Wilde discussed how the recognition, while beneficial for her acting career by opening doors to roles, also highlighted her discomfort with having her value tied to subjective beauty standards.
She acknowledged the need to take responsibility for participation in self-objectification, even as she benefited from the career opportunities it presented.
Wilde has expanded her career into directing, beginning with the 2019 film "Booksmart." She previously described directing as a liberating experience, contrasting it with the dependency inherent in acting. "With being director, there's a sense of agency," she noted, recalling the thrill of independence upon calling "action" on her first film set. She found value in having her instincts and ideas directly influence the production.
In addition to "The Invite," Wilde directed "Don't Worry Darling," which was released in 2022 and starred Harry Styles. Wilde and Styles were in a public relationship for nearly two years, ending in November 2022.