Aubrey Plaza Returns to Cannes Film Festival for ‘Honey Don’t’ Amid Husband Jeff Baena’s Passing

Aubrey Plaza made a touching comeback in the spotlight at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival premiere of “Honey Don’t” after a long absence. This event was her first public appearance following the passing of her husband, filmmaker Jeff Baena, almost five months ago.

The beloved star of “Parks and Recreation” was accompanied by co-stars Margaret Qualley and Charlie Day to promote the quirky detective comedy, helmed by the real-life creative team of Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke.

Baena, recognized for his work on movies such as “Joshy” and “The Little Hours,” tragically passed away in their Los Angeles home on January 3. The LA County Medical Examiner confirmed that the 47-year-old died by suicide.

Plaza, 40, had been in a relationship with Baena since 2011, and the two quietly tied the knot in 2021. She starred in his 2014 directorial debut, the zombie rom-com Life After Beth — a film he also penned.

“This is an unimaginable tragedy,” Plaza said in a statement to Entertainment Weekly following his death. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time.”

According to Baena’s autopsy report, the couple were separated at the time of his passing.

On the Cannes carpet, Plaza wore a sheer, beaded cream gown layered over a structured corset and matching underwear — a bold, ethereal look for an evening steeped in emotion.

In Honey Don’t, Qualley plays Honey, a no-nonsense lesbian detective trying to take down a shady preacher — played by Chris Evans — who may be linked to a string of suspicious deaths. The film follows in the quirky, chaotic footsteps of Coen and Cooke’s previous project, Drive-Away Dolls, which also starred Qualley.

The premiere earned a six-and-a-half-minute standing ovation, and American viewers won’t have to wait too long: Honey Don’t hits theaters August 22.