Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara Confirm Their Relationship at Cannes

The look of love...

Joaquin Phoenix
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara made their first public appearance as a couple at Cannes over the weekend, and it was a very sweet and cozy one.

Related Story

Celebs

(Image credit: Dana Tepper / Getty)

The pair was attending the closing ceremony of the festival, during which a shocked Phoenix was awarded the golden-leaf prize for Best Actor for his role in Lynne Ramsay's You Were Never Really Here.

He was seen turning to Mara and mouthing, "Do I have to go up there?" before taking to the stage and apologizing for his Converse trainers. "This was totally unexpected, as you can see from my shoes," he joked to the audience.

The actor went on to refer to his "girlfriend" at a press conference following his win, telling reporters: "Before I came here, I told my girlfriend it was going to be a really good experience because I was going to get crushed and that would be really humbling."

Joaquin Phoenix

(Image credit: Getty Images)

"I thought it would be great to know what it's like to be unanimously disliked. That was my expectation coming here, so this is, um, better."

They were later seen leaving the event holding hands, before heading off in a car together. A source added to People: "They were talking to one another nonstop...Small talk between them. Then they went for their car and he's holding her hand like it was unconscious. Like it fits. They seem a totally natural and easy couple."

Mara, 32, and Phoenix, 42, were rumored to be dating after meeting on the set of upcoming drama Mary Magdalene, in which Mara takes the titular role, while Phoenix plays Jesus.

They'll also be starring opposite each other in biopic Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot, out next year.

Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.

Naomi Gordon

Naomi Gordon is news writer mainly covering entertainment news with a focus on celebrity interviews and television.