- Key points of the 81st installment
Previously, the Venice Film Festival was overshadowed by actor strikes in the U.S., keeping American celebrities away from the Lido. However, Hollywood is returning for this year's 81st event, running from August 28 to September 7. Anticipated films like "Joker: Folie à Deux" starring Oscar winner Joaquin Phoenix (49) and Lady Gaga (38), and Tim Burton's (66) "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice", which will open the festival and is not part of the competition, will hold their world premieres in Venice.
Competitive Moments in Venice
Many acclaimed filmmakers are vying for the festival's top prize, the Golden Lion. Luca Guadagnino (53), the director of "Call Me by Your Name", introduces his latest film "Queer". Daniel Craig (56), who played James Bond, stars in the film adaptation of a William S. Burroughs novel.
Pedro Almodóvar (74), a seasoned filmmaker, presents "The Room Next Door" at the Lido, starring Julianne Moore (63) and Tilda Swinton (63) in lead roles. This is Almodóvar's first English-language production. "Maria" by Pablo Larraín (48) showcases Angelina Jolie (49) as opera singer Maria Callas (1923-1977). "Babygirl" directed by Halina Reijn (48) stars Nicole Kidman (57) in an erotic drama.
Out of Competition Shows
Equally prominent are the films shown outside the competition. Since 2008, this will be the first joint release of superstars George Clooney (63) and Brad Pitt (60) in the crime comedy "Wolfs", directed by Jon Watts (43). Kevin Costner (69) introduces the second part of his planned "Horizon" series. Avid movie lovers may also be interested in Takeshi Kitano's (77) "Broken Rage" and "Baby Invasion" by "Spring Breakers" director Harmony Korine (51).
A German Documentary "Riefenstahl"
The solely German production "Riefenstahl" by Andres Veiel (64) becomes available outside the competition. This documentary explores the controversial and highly influential filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl (1902-2003). Sandra Maischberger (58) is one of the producers.
Several series are also presented at the Venice Film Festival. "Families Like Ours", a miniseries about families forced to flee due to the climate crisis and becoming separated, is directed by Thomas Vinterberg ("The Celebration", 55). Alfonso Cuarón's (62) thriller series "Disclaimer" about a journalist whose darkest secrets are about to be exposed, stars Cate Blanchett (55) and Kevin Kline (76).
The Jury and Honory Lions
The jury president this year is French cinema icon Isabelle Huppert (71), accompanied by German director Julia von Heinz ("And Tomorrow the Whole World", 48), American James Gray ("Ad Astra", 55), and 75-year-old Agnieszka Holland ("The Secret Garden").
Legendary actress Sigourney Weaver (74) and veteran director Peter Weir ("The Truman Show", 80) receive honorary Golden Lions for their lifetime achievements.
The stars of "Joker: Folie à Deux" and "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice," Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, respectively, will have their world premieres amongst the anticipated films at the Venice Film Festival. During the festival, Pedro Almodóvar's film "The Room Next Door" will feature the stars Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton in lead roles.
