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Aubrey Plaza, the talented actress known for her unique blend of humor and depth, made a striking appearance at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, showcasing her upcoming film Honey Don’t! alongside co-stars Margaret Qualley and Charlie Day. The event marked a significant moment for Plaza, who has been largely out of the public eye since the tragic passing of her husband, Jeff Baena, earlier this year.
Fashion statement with a personal touch
Plaza graced the red carpet in a stunning nude, floor-length dress adorned with colorful beads over a white bodysuit, a choice that reflected both elegance and individuality. This appearance comes just five months after the heartbreaking loss of Baena, a screenwriter and director who died by suicide at the age of 47.
Plaza’s return to the spotlight is not just a professional endeavor but also a personal journey of healing and remembrance.
Honoring a love lost
During her brief hiatus from the limelight, Plaza made a notable appearance on the 50th anniversary special of Saturday Night Live, where she paid tribute to her late husband by wearing a tie-dye shirt, a garment that held special significance for the couple.
Plaza shared that during the pandemic, Baena had developed a passion for tie-dyeing, which led them to wear matching pajamas for their wedding in 2021. This whimsical choice was a reflection of their playful relationship, which Plaza described as a spontaneous decision made on a whim.
Facing the aftermath of loss
Despite their marriage, reports indicate that Plaza and Baena had separated in September 2024, just months before his tragic death. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s report revealed that Baena had reached out to Plaza on the day he died, expressing concerning thoughts that prompted her to seek help for him.
The couple, who had been together for over a decade, maintained a private relationship, with fans only learning about their union through Plaza’s social media posts.
In the wake of Baena’s death, both families released a heartfelt statement expressing their grief and gratitude for the support they received.
Friends and colleagues from the industry also took to social media to honor Baena’s memory, highlighting his talent and authenticity as a director. Adam Pally, a close friend, described him as a “sweet, Jewish boy from Miami” and praised his commitment to truth in his work.
As Plaza continues to navigate her grief, her presence at Cannes serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. Through her art and public appearances, she honors the memory of her husband while also embracing her own journey of healing.
