On Sunday night in New York City, all eyes were on the Gossip Girl alum as she floated onto the red carpet for a special screening of her upcoming film, Another Simple Favor. And by her side? Her ever-doting husband, Ryan Reynolds, looking like her proudest plus-one.
The 37-year-old actress served a major fashion moment, wearing a breathtaking light blue gown that hugged her famous curves like a dream. With a daring plunging neckline and criss-cross detailing down to her hips, Blake looked like she stepped straight out of a modern fairytale. She completed the look with sparkly pink bracelets, dazzling earrings from Lorraine Schwartz, and her signature voluminous waves. A swipe of nude gloss and a little movie-star glam finished it all off.
Blake Lively looking incredible at the NYC premiere of ‘Another Simple Favor’ today pic.twitter.com/QiVLpPX5sG
— la bella vita (@drugproblem) April 28, 2025
Meanwhile, Ryan, 48, played the role of supportive husband perfectly. Dapper in a grey suit and brown loafers, he seemed more interested in showering his wife with love than stealing any attention for himself — and honestly, who could blame him? The two shared sweet glances and affectionate touches that had everyone swooning.
But not everything on that carpet was a picture of harmony.
Also turning heads was Another Simple Favor co-star Anna Kendrick. She rocked a chic white bedazzled crop top and flowing trousers — but eagle-eyed fans noticed some distance between the two leading ladies, reigniting long-swirling rumors of tension. Whispers of behind-the-scenes drama — allegedly involving billing disputes and frustrations over Blake’s high-profile legal battle with actor Justin Baldoni — have been floating around since the film’s earlier promotions.
Director Paul Feig tried to play peacemaker, literally posing between Blake and Anna for photos, and both stars smiled politely through the tension. Professional, yes — but not exactly “besties” vibes.
Despite the undercurrents of drama, excitement for the movie is real. Another Simple Favor, the sequel to 2018’s darkly stylish hit A Simple Favor, follows Emily (Blake) and Stephanie (Anna) as they jet off to Capri, Italy, for Emily’s lavish wedding to a wealthy Italian businessman. (Sign us up for a front-row seat!) The movie hits theaters May 1.
A Storm Brewing Off the Red Carpet
Of course, Blake’s bold appearance came hot on the heels of a different kind of headline.
Just days earlier, she made waves at the Time100 Gala, where she was honored as one of the world’s most influential people. In her speech, Blake got deeply personal, opening up about her mother’s traumatic past — revealing she survived a horrifying assault many years ago.
Blake connected her mother’s survival story to the broader struggles women face every day, passionately calling for resilience, unity, and empowerment. She also gave a heartfelt shoutout to Ryan and all the “good men” who support women, even when no one’s watching.
But while some applauded her vulnerability, others weren’t buying it.
Critics took to social media accusing Blake of using her mother’s trauma as a “PR move” — especially given the timing, amid her ongoing feud with Baldoni. Some fans pointed out that while Blake had a personal connection to surviving abuse, she didn’t publicly advocate for domestic violence victims while promoting It Ends With Us, a movie based on a novel about abusive relationships.
One particularly scathing post summed up the backlash: “Oh, so now she’s using her mother’s story to be relatable? Where was this energy when promoting a film about DV?”
It’s a tough moment for Blake, who’s clearly trying to balance her private battles with her public image — all while launching a major film.
What’s Next?
For now, the Another Simple Favor premiere marks a bright, if complicated, moment for Blake. She looked radiant, her bond with Ryan seemed stronger than ever, and fans are buzzing about the movie.
But it’s clear the story off-screen is almost as layered and dramatic as anything Hollywood could script.
Either way, one thing’s certain: Blake Lively knows how to keep the world watching.
