Master of Ceremonies Monica Bellucci puts on a steamy display with co-host Alex Lutz as she kicks off the 70th annual Cannes Film Festival in sweeping sheer navy dress
She was famously seduced by secret agent James Bond during her last film appearance in box-office smash Spectre.
But it was Monica Bellucci who worked her irresistible charms while fulfilling a prestigious role as Master of Ceremonies at the 70th annual Cannes Film Festival opening ceremony on Wednesday evening.
The Italian model and actress, 52, entertained guests inside the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès by passionately kissing her co-host, French comedian Alex Lutz, during a playful exchange.
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A vision in black: Monica Bellucci who worked her irresistible charms while fulfilling a prestigious role as Master of ceremonies at the 70th annual Cannes Film Festival opening ceremony on Wednesday evening
Seduce in midnight blue tulle Dior like Monica
A special occasion calls for a special dress, and Monica Bellucci found just that as she presented at this year's Cannes Film Festival.
The actress looked absolutely stunning in an off-the-shoulder number which was custom-made for her by French design house Dior.
From the ethereal looking sheer tulle fabric, to the statement full skirt, the gown exuded classic glamour. We love the way the material gathered on the arms to create a stylish look.
Monica then accessorized with an eye-catching drop diamond and sapphire necklace which put a luxe finishing touch on her elegant outfit.
We might not be able to get our hands on any custom-made Dior any time soon, but we can look a sheer delight like Monica! Give a nod to her designer dress with the picks below in shades of midnight and deep blue tulle.
Cupping a hand over his face, former Bond girl Monica leaned into the 38-year old while planting a kiss on his lips ahead of the opening night premiere of new film Ismael’s Ghost.
The sultry star already commanded attention by virtue of her outfit – a striking semi-sheer navy Dior gown with a delicately cinched waistline.
An off-the-shoulder detail further ensured the pleated design caught the eye as Monica made her way across the stage, where she warmly greeted Cannes Jury President Pedro Almodovar – albeit with rather less intimacy than her previous exchange with Lutz.
A glittering statement necklace gave the ensemble an extravagant focal point, while her tousled raven locks were effortlessly styled with a simple centre parting.
Here we go: The Italian model and actress, 52, entertained guests ahead inside the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès by passionately kissing her co-host, French comedian Alex Lutz, during a playful exchange
Close: Cupping a hand over his face, former Bond girl Monica leaned into the 38-year old while planting a kiss on his lips ahead of the opening night premiere of new film Ismael’s Ghost
I've got you: The exchange served as light relief ahead of the opening night screening
Elsewhere, Monica has been vocal about how little effort she puts into staying in shape.
In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, she said that she doesn't favour the gym in a quest to stay slim, instead preferring to enjoy life and eat pasta and cake.
Monica explained: 'I'm not someone who wakes up at 6am to go to the gym.
You're going nowhere: Monica gripped the comedian's hair while kissing him on the lips
It's a bum deal: The sultry Italian star appeared to grab her co-host's bottom
Close contact: Lutz was forced to lean back as Monica moved in for her kiss
All done: The comedian looked rather flustered during his exchange with the former Bond girl
'The truth is that I like cakes and pasta, the odd glass of wine and a very occasional cigarette. My advice is: eat well, drink well, have good sex – and laugh a lot. The rest comes all on its own.'
Despite her laid-back advice, Monica recently admitted she was not adverse to a bit of extra technological help.
She said she was glad that magazines were airbrushing less than in the past and that the public was learning to love stars' little 'imperfections'.
Looking good: Monica commanded attention by virtue of her outfit – a striking semi-sheer black evening gown with a delicately cinched waistline.
Striking: An off-the-shoulder detail further ensured the pleated design caught the eye as Monica made her way across the stage
Hard to miss: A glittering statement necklace gave the ensemble an extravagant focal point, while her tousled raven locks were effortlessly styled with a simple centre parting
Even so 'I say thank heavens for retouching. It's airbrushing that saves us,' she declared.
Reflecting on the Cannes film festival, Monica recently admitted the strong female presence at this year's ceremony was a 'sign of the times.'
She told WWD: 'As a child, I used to dream about all the Italian leading ladies like Sophia Loren, Silvana Mangano and Monica Vitti, but at the time, for actresses all over the world, regardless of their beauty and talent, after 40 it became so difficult to hold on to a career. And now things are changing.
'I live in France where there are all these incredible actresses like Isabelle Huppert, Catherine Deneuve or Nathalie Baye, and in England you have Helen Mirren and Judi Dench.
'In James Bond, I was in it for maybe 15 minutes, but there was such a strong reaction to the role because it was the first time in history that a [mature] woman was in James Bond’s arms.'
Finishing touches: The star accentuated her features with smoky eyeshadow and soft pink lipstick
Encouraging: Reflecting on the Cannes film festival, Monica recently admitted the strong female presence at this year's ceremony was a 'sign of the times'
Greetings: Monica warmly greeted Cannes Jury President Pedro Almodovar – albeit with rather less intimacy than her previous exchange with Lutz
Affectionate: The celebrated Spanish director was greeted with a peck on the cheek
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