Dame Emma Thompson pulled out all the stops at the Carnival of Venice as she donned a dramatic period gown. 

The British actress and screenwriter, 65, turned heads in the Italian city for the festival - which is known for its elaborate masks, stunning costumes, and vibrant festivities.

Emma stepped out with her husband Greg Wise, who also got into the spirit of the festival. 

The Love Actually star donned an elaborate red, white lace and gold corseted gown, complete with a matching handbag and a white cape. 

She sported a white Baroque wig and also wore a gold theatrical mask - which had cream and light pink feathers attached. 

Emma finished off her extravagant look with a pair of white lace gloves and gold platform heels, as well as a dainty red choker necklace.

Her husband, actor and film producer Greg, 58, joined in on the fun as he sported a cream jacquard print Baroque Venetian coat. 

He paired the jacket with a black ruffled collar shirt and grey satin knee-length capris, as well as black tights and Baroque loafers.

Greg also wore a white period wig to complete his ensemble, as well as a bejewelled hat. 

The pair were seen out walking the streets of Venice in their incredible costumes, as the sun shone down. 

They posed for snap on one of the city's iconic bridges, as well as stopping to take photos with fans.  

The Carnival of Venice runs every year in the lead-up to Lent, beginning every year two weeks before Ash Wednesday and finishing on Shrove Tuesday. 

According to the event's website the carnival first took place in the 11th century, when it lasted for two months of revelry, but fell into decline in the 18th century. 

It was revived in 1979 and mask-wearing revellers parading around Venice and enjoying live music are now a staple of the Venetian year.

Emma's appearance come after she said she believes men have more chance of succeeding in the film industry because women are 'not allowed to fail.' 

The celebrated actress has enjoyed an illustrious career on stage and screen since rising to prominence in 1987 TV dramas Tutti Frutti and Fortunes Of War. 

But Emma believes there is a notable lack of support and exposure for women's voices within the film industry.  

'It would be great if the film industry would allow women to fail - that would be great, and to try again,' she said. 

'Men can fail time and again, yet they still get work, I just don’t understand it. 

'Women fail once and then it's, "oh well you don't get to do this again". That would be good.'

Emma was recently seen on the set of the upcoming Apple TV+ series Down Cemetery Road for the first time, as she transformed into private detective Zoë Boehm.

The actress looked worlds away from her usual self while filming scenes for the latest drama, which was penned by Slow Horses writer Mick Herron.

Her grey hair was styled into a spiky fashion as she sported some dramatic smoky eye makeup to embody the edgy character.