Every year in late summer, stars, celebrities and filmmakers come to Venice to visit the International Film Festival. This year the event will be held in the lagoon city for the 80th time. The first stars like Amal and George Clooney have arrived before the official start of the event, enjoying the calm before the storm.
Venice Film Festival: Special challenges this year
This year, however, the star density is likely to be a little lower, as much of Hollywood is staying away from the event for fear of violating the SAG-AFTRA strikes. But there is hope: According to Variety, a select list of films set to premiere in Venice have received a temporary SAG-AFTRA exemption because they are independent productions not produced by AMPTP members.
Pure glamor away from the red carpets
One thing is for sure: the celebrities and stars who show up on the red carpets let the glamor sparks fly. Elegant evening gowns, stylish suits and dramatic make-up – we get to see it all during the Venice Film Festival. But things are also elegant and always fashion-conscious away from the red carpets. Because the festival in the lagoon city is known for its picturesque photo backdrop. The world’s largest fashion houses outfit the prominent guests to present their latest creations. The pictures of the film festival go around the world. Even celebrities who have their picture taken on the canal, on the beach or in front of the water taxis can be sure of beautiful photo motifs.
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Caterina Murino will moderate the opening ceremony
Italian actress and former Bond girl Caterina Murino was chosen to host the opening ceremony and the closing awards gala. The opening film was originally supposed to be “Challengers” by Luca Guadagnino. Due to the actors’ and screenwriters’ strike in the US, “Challengers” was replaced by “Comandante” by Edoardo De Angelis.
Damien Chazelle is jury president
The American-French filmmaker Damien Chazelle was selected as the jury president of the international competition, in which the Golden Lion is awarded for the best film of the festival. His feature films “La La Land” and “Aufbruch zum Mond” opened the festival editions in 2016 and 2018.