The Venice International Film Festival kicks off today, August 28, and it feels like the world of cinema is finally getting its groove back. After last year’s quieter edition, the return of A-listers to the stunning Venice Lido is nothing short of a breath of fresh air. But let’s be honest, while the red carpets and glamorous docks are exciting, the real magic lies in the films we’re about to witness. Running until September 7, this year’s lineup is pure cinematic gold. From the eerie charm of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice to the much-anticipated Joker: Folie à Deux, there’s something for everyone. Other standout titles include Horizon: An American Saga—Chapter 2, Youth (Homecoming), and the intriguingly titled The Room Next Door. It’s going to be a magnificent ride, as Venice once again proves why it’s the heart of the film world. ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ Trailer 2: Michael Keaton's Eccentric Ghost Returns to Spook Winona Ryder and Jenna Ortega (Watch Video).
This festival is one of the most glamorous launching pads for awards season. Films that shine here often dominate the conversation until the Oscars (most of the time). This year’s Best Actress, Emma Stone, won for Poor Things, which also debuted at Venice. Expect a star-studded affair with Brad Pitt, Lady Gaga, Joaquin Phoenix, Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Jenna Ortega, Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Joaquin Phoenix, Angelina Jolie, Daniel Craig, Lady Gaga, Nicole Kidman, Tilda Swinton and Adrien Brody and more gracing the Lido. ‘Joker – Folie À Deux’ Trailer: Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker Does His Iconic Laugh and Kisses Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinn Amidst Rebellion in Gotham City (Watch Video).
Explore the Full Line-Up For VIFF 2024
UK:
- The Brutalist – Dir: Brady Corbet
- Harvest (UK-Ger-Gre-Fr-US) – Dir: Athina Rachel Tsangari
France:
- Three Friends – Dir: Emmanuel Mouret
- And Their Children After Them – Dirs: Ludovic and Zoran Boukherma
- I’m Still Here (Braz-Fr) – Dir: Walter Salles
- The Quiet Son – Dirs: Delphine and Muriel Coulin
- Sicilian Letters (It-Fr) – Dirs: Fabio Grassadonia, Antonio Piazza
- Stranger Eyes (Sing-Taiwan-Fr-US) – Dir: Yeo Siew Hua
- Youth - Homecoming (Fr-Lux-Neth) – Dir: Wang Bing
- Vermiglio (It-Fr-Bel) – Dir: Maura Delpero
US:
- Babygirl – Dir: Halina Reijn
- Joker: Folie A Deux – Dir: Todd Phillips
- Queer (It-US) – Dir: Luca Guadagnino
Italy/Germany:
- Maria – Dir: Pablo Larrain
- Battleground (It) – Dir: Gianni Amelio
- Diva Futura (It) – Dir: Giulia Louise Steigerwalt
Canada:
- The Order – Dir: Justin Kurzel
Norway:
- Love – Dir: Dag Johan Haugerud
Italy/France:
- April (Geo-Fr-It) – Dir: Dea Kulumbegashvili
Brazil:
- I’m Still Here (Braz-Fr) – Dir: Walter Salles
Taiwan:
- Stranger Eyes (Sing-Taiwan-Fr-US) – Dir: Yeo Siew Hua
Jury Members Of VIFF 2024
VIFF's main competition jury for 2024 is led by the French actress Isabelle Huppert. Joining her on the jury are an impressive array of talents, including Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi and directors James Gray, Agnieszka Holland, Abderrahmane Sissako, and Giuseppe Tornatore. This diverse and accomplished group is set to bring their unique perspectives to the selection of this year’s standout films, ensuring a high evaluation standard and adding to the festival’s rich history of celebrating cinematic excellence.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 28, 2024 04:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).