The 81st edition of the Venice Film Festival is set to commence in Venice, Italy, with a lineup of major Hollywood films and stars gracing the event. The festival will kick off with the world premiere of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” before its global theatrical release next week. Venice International Film Festival, established in 1932, ranks as one of the most esteemed film festivals globally, second only to Cannes, consistently attracting renowned international films. The Golden Lion award, introduced in 1949, has been won by notable films like “Rashômon” in 1951 and “Belle de jour” in 1967.
The festival will begin on August 28 with the premiere of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” and will continue until September 7, when the award winners will be announced. Hollywood’s prominent stars are expected to make appearances at the festival, including Angelina Jolie, Lady Gaga, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and others. The festival promises a display of top-tier films, such as Todd Phillips’ “Joker: Folie à Deux” and Pedro Almodóvar’s “The Room Next Door,” featuring Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton.
While previous editions have seen teenage idols like Harry Styles and Timothée Chalamet, this year’s lineup focuses on Hollywood stars delivering promising performances. Despite ongoing personal issues between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, the festival organizers have ensured their film schedules do not coincide to avoid any potential conflicts. Venice Film Festival has established itself as a significant player in the Oscar race, with numerous award-winning films premiering at the event.
The festival is held on the island of Lido, away from the main attractions of Venice, featuring prestigious hotels like Hotel Excelsior and the Belmond Hotel Cipriani, where celebrities often stay during the event. Throughout the festival, celebrities travel between venues using private water taxis, adding a touch of glamour to their arrival at the red carpet. Isabelle Huppert leads the main competition jury at this year’s festival, which includes renowned industry figures.
As festivities overlap with other major film festivals like Toronto International Film Festival and Telluride, attendees face a busy schedule juggling multiple events. Despite the challenges, Venice Film Festival remains a key platform for premiering acclaimed films and hosting star-studded events.
