At the 81st Venice International Film Festival, Zac Efron made a chic return to the red carpet. This was his first public appearance since being hospitalized following an Ibiza swimming pool accident. At the event, which took place on Sunday, September 1, Efron, 36, looked stunning in all black, wearing a sleek blazer, T-shirt, and pants with black sunglasses. Among the many celebrities in attendance were Richard Gere and his wife Alejandra Silva, who were seen grinning alongside Efron. Additionally, Gere was presented with the amfAR Award of Inspiration.
Antonio Banderas and producer Mohammed Al Turki were among the other notable guests honored at the gala, which was hosted by Kate Beckinsale and featured performances by Kelly Rowland and Rumer Willis. Efron was hospitalized on August 2 after suffering a minor accident in the swimming pool; he was released the next day after extensive testing verified that there was no water left in his lungs. On August 4, Efron posted a picture of himself lifting weights, thanking his fans for their support and reiterating his overall health.