Aubrey Plaza Makes Poignant Cannes Return After Jeff Baena’s Death

Aubrey Plaza made her emotional return to the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival on Friday, marking her first major public appearance since the death of her husband, Jeff Baena. The actress attended the premiere of her new film Honey Don’t! alongside co-stars Margaret Qualley and Charlie Day, and filmmakers Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke.

Plaza, 40, wore a gem-embellished, sleeveless nude gown with a matching corset beneath. She kept her makeup minimal, with soft eyeliner and a nude lip, and appeared composed, smiling as she posed for photos.

Aubrey Plaza Steps Back Into Spotlight at Cannes Amid Personal Loss

This is Plaza’s first red carpet outing since Baena’s passing in January. While she briefly appeared at the Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary special in February, she has otherwise remained private, stepping back from social media and public life.

Aubrey Plaza Walks Cannes Red Carpet for First Time Since Jeff Baena’s Death

In March, it was reported the couple had been separated for four months before Baena’s death. He passed away on January 3 at age 47, with the cause confirmed as suicide.

Plaza responded to the news of her husband’s death, calling it an “unimaginable tragedy” at the time.

Plaza’s appearance at Cannes reflects a quiet strength as she begins to reenter the public eye while honoring her personal loss.