The Venice Film Festival, one of the most prestigious events in the cinematic calendar, has long been a platform not only for groundbreaking films but also for audacious fashion statements. This year, on September 3, 2025, actor Jason Momoa stole the spotlight at the premiere of his latest film, In the Hand of Dante, directed by Julian Schnabel. Known for his rugged roles in blockbusters like Aquaman and Dune, Momoa arrived on the red carpet in a head-to-toe pink outfit that included a tailored suit, Birkenstock sandals, and—most notably—pink-painted toenails. The look, which blended high fashion with casual comfort, sparked immediate buzz across social media and entertainment outlets, eliciting a mix of admiration, surprise, and controversy.
Momoa’s appearance was more than just a wardrobe choice; it was a deliberate embrace of color coordination and self-expression that challenged traditional notions of masculinity in Hollywood. Accompanied by his 16-year-old son, Nakoa-Wolf Momoa, the actor exuded confidence as he posed for photographers, lifting his feet to showcase the matching pedicure. In an Instagram Story shared shortly after, Momoa humorously captioned a video of his feet: “I got my Birkenstocks and my ugly a** feet, but they’re painted!” This lighthearted acknowledgment only amplified the conversation, drawing in fans, critics, and cultural commentators alike.
The Outfit: A Detailed Breakdown
Let’s dissect the ensemble that set the internet ablaze. Momoa opted for a blush pink suit, consisting of a single-breasted jacket and straight-leg pants, crafted from a lightweight fabric that gave the outfit a relaxed yet polished vibe. The suit was paired with a crisp white shirt, unbuttoned at the top for a casual flair, and black sunglasses that added a touch of mystery. But the real showstoppers were his footwear and pedicure. He wore pink Birkenstock Arizona sandals, a brand known for its comfort-focused designs, which contrasted sharply with the formality of the red carpet. To tie it all together, his toenails were painted in a soft pink shade, matching the suit’s hue perfectly.
This monochromatic approach wasn’t accidental. Fashion experts noted that Momoa’s choice echoed the “Barbiecore” trend popularized by the 2023 Barbie film, where pink symbolized empowerment and playfulness. However, Momoa infused it with his signature rugged charm—his long, wavy hair was left loose, and he sported a full beard, creating a juxtaposition between softness and strength. The Birkenstocks, in particular, were a nod to his laid-back Hawaiian roots, where comfort often trumps convention. As one stylist commented in a post-event analysis, “It’s a masterclass in personal branding: bold, unapologetic, and utterly Momoa.”
The premiere itself was for In the Hand of Dante, a crime thriller based on Nick Tosches’ novel, featuring an all-star cast including Oscar Isaac, Gal Gadot, Al Pacino, and Martin Scorsese. Momoa plays a key role in the film, which explores themes of art, crime, and redemption. His arrival was marked by playful interactions on the carpet, including a viral moment where he spanked co-star Oscar Isaac in a lighthearted gesture that further endeared him to fans. The film’s narrative depth provided an ironic backdrop to Momoa’s fashion statement, as it delves into characters who defy societal expectations—much like the actor himself did that evening.
The Positive Reactions: Praise for Breaking Barriers
The response to Momoa’s look was overwhelmingly positive in many corners of the internet and media. Fans celebrated his willingness to embrace femininity in fashion, viewing it as a progressive step in an industry often criticized for rigid gender norms. On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), posts lauded his confidence. One user, @storagebluetv, wrote: “Jason Momoa went full pink in Venice — suit, slippers, and even toenails 💕🔥 Style + confidence = unmatched. #VeniceFilmFestival #JasonMomoa.” This sentiment was echoed across platforms, with many drawing parallels to other male celebrities like Harry Styles and Timothée Chalamet, who have similarly experimented with nail polish and colorful attire.
Entertainment outlets were quick to highlight the empowering aspect of the look. People magazine described it as “putting his best foot forward with the color pink,” noting how Momoa proudly showed off his pedicure while posing with his son. InStyle praised the unexpected shoe choice, calling it a “fun with fashion” moment at the festival. WWD focused on the footwear, titling their article “Pink Toes, Pink Shoes: Jason Momoa Makes a Footwear Statement,” emphasizing how the Birkenstocks and polish embodied “Barbiecore” vibes.
Cultural commentators saw deeper significance. In a time when discussions about toxic masculinity are rampant, Momoa’s choice was hailed as a subtle rebellion. As he himself stated in a 2020 interview, “I don’t really give a s—t what anyone thinks” about wearing pink. This attitude resonates with younger audiences, particularly Gen Z, who prioritize authenticity over conformity. His son Nakoa-Wolf’s presence added a familial layer, suggesting that such expressions of style can be normalized across generations. Momoa later shared in interviews that he was emotional about his son’s acting debut in Dune: Part Three, where Nakoa-Wolf plays Leto II, further humanizing the star amid the fashion frenzy.
The Contrasting Opinions: Criticism and Backlash
However, not all reactions were glowing. Momoa’s bold choice ignited a wave of criticism, particularly from those who viewed it as performative or out of step with traditional masculinity. On X, several users expressed disdain, blending humor with outright disapproval. One post from @37Lemons read: “A bearded lady in pink embarrassing herself on a red carpet Jason Momoa,” framing the look as emasculating and ridiculous. This comment, which garnered significant engagement, tapped into broader societal discomfort with men adopting traditionally feminine elements like nail polish.
Other critiques focused on the aesthetics and perceived intent. User @pinkmochhi argued: “like there’s a difference between provocative fashion and a cheap stunt, and this leaned way too hard into the latter. If there’s no intention beyond ‘look at this,’ then what are we even looking at?” This perspective suggests the outfit was more about shock value than genuine style innovation. Similarly, @jaycebussy complained about the color choice: “LIKE Y IS HE PINKKK 😭😭😭 also the colour palette just pisses me off like these weren’t even the colours at all in the scene it just feels like bisexual bait.” Here, the criticism extends to accusations of pandering to diverse audiences without authenticity.
Facebook comments, as captured in web searches, revealed even sharper divides. One user on a viral photo post stated: “Pink suit barely ok, but painted toenails?” implying the pedicure crossed an unacceptable line. Another from @RoisinMichaux on X exclaimed: “How can they do this to him??? He’s wearing nail polish FOR FUCKS SAKE,” portraying the choice as an imposition rather than a personal decision. These reactions highlight a persistent undercurrent of homophobia and gender policing in public discourse, where male celebrities face scrutiny for deviating from “manly” norms.
Some detractors linked the look to broader Hollywood trends, arguing it alienates traditional fans. A snippet from Mandatory.com noted mixed social media responses, with some viewing the pink toenails as “over the top.” Critics also pointed to the Birkenstocks as “lazy” or inappropriate for a high-profile event, contrasting them with the elegance expected at Venice. One X user, @jennyloch99, while commenting on a similar outfit, noted poor fitting and color choice, which echoed sentiments about Momoa’s suit being the “wrong shade of pink.”
This backlash isn’t isolated to Momoa. Historical context shows male stars like Kurt Cobain or David Bowie facing similar criticism for gender-bending fashion. Yet, in 2025, with increased visibility of LGBTQ+ issues, such reactions often spark counter-backlash. Defenders like @MVijay88 retorted: “Come on, how is ANYONE complaining about this. It’s classic and daring and he’s absolutely owning the look.” And @toloseyourpath added: “some of you are just tasteless and dumb, his outfit was stunning on him and people were praising him left and right.” These defenses underscore a cultural shift, where criticism is increasingly called out as outdated.
Cultural Analysis: Pink as a Symbol of Evolution
Momoa’s pink ensemble invites deeper analysis. Historically, pink was considered a masculine color in the early 20th century, associated with strength and derived from red. Its shift to femininity in the mid-1900s reflects arbitrary gender constructs, which Momoa challenges by reclaiming it. In the context of Venice, a festival known for artistic rebellion, his look aligns with themes in In the Hand of Dante, where characters grapple with identity and convention.
Comparisons to other celebs abound. Brad Pitt’s skirt at the 2022 Bullet Train premiere or Jared Leto’s painted nails have paved the way, but Momoa’s integration of casual elements like Birkenstocks adds a unique twist. Psychologists suggest such choices promote mental health by encouraging self-expression, especially for men under pressure to conform. However, the criticism reveals lingering biases: a 2024 study by GLAAD found that 40% of Americans still view male nail polish as “unmasculine.”
Momoa’s personal life adds layers. As a father co-parenting with ex-wife Lisa Bonet, he often speaks about vulnerability. His Hawaiian heritage, where gender fluidity in traditional practices like hula is celebrated, may influence his comfort with such looks. This event also ties into his environmental advocacy—Birkenstocks are sustainable, aligning with his eco-friendly brand.
Conclusion: A Lasting Impact on Fashion and Discourse
Jason Momoa’s pink suit and toenails at the 2025 Venice Film Festival will be remembered as a pivotal moment in celebrity fashion. While praised for its boldness and confidence, the contrasting opinions—from outright mockery to accusations of performative allyship—highlight the ongoing battle over gender norms in pop culture. As Momoa himself might say, he doesn’t care about the naysayers; his look was a personal triumph, shared joyfully with his son and fans.
In an era where authenticity reigns, Momoa’s choice encourages others to experiment without fear. Whether you love it or loathe it, one thing is clear: it sparked a conversation that transcends the red carpet, pushing boundaries and inspiring debate. As the festival continues, all eyes will be on what boundary-pushing style comes next.
