The 81st edition of the Venice Film Festival is set to conclude on Saturday with the premiere of Kevin Costner’s film, “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2,” and the awards ceremony. The jury led by Isabelle Huppert will determine this year’s prize recipients from a selection of 21 films in competition, many of which have garnered mixed reviews.
Among the highly anticipated films competing for top honors are Todd Phillips’ “Joker: Folie à Deux,” Pablo Larraín’s “Maria” starring Angela Jolie, and Pedro Almodóvar’s “The Room Next Door” with Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton. Other notable entries include the erotic thriller “Babygirl” featuring Nicole Kidman, “Queer” by Luca Guadagnino, and “The Brutalist” directed by Brady Corbet.
In recent years, Venice has become a significant platform for launching award campaigns, with several Best Picture winners and nominees premiered at the festival. As the fall film season progresses, there is growing speculation about potential award nominations for the performances in these films.
This year’s festival saw the return of Hollywood A-listers like George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Michael Keaton, who graced the event with their presence both on and off the screen. The red carpet was adorned with fashion moments, including Lady Gaga’s Christian Dior ensemble, Nicole Kidman’s Schiaparelli dress, and Cate Blanchett’s Armani Privé gown, among others.
The closing film, screened out of competition, is the second part of Kevin Costner’s personal project. Following a lackluster box office performance earlier in the summer, the premiere of “Chapter Two” was postponed until the Venice Film Festival. Overall, this year’s festival showcased a blend of star-studded films and glamorous fashion moments, marking a successful return to form following disruptions in the previous year’s event.
