The Venice Film Festival kicked off in style this Wednesday, lighting up the Lido with the much-awaited premiere of Tim Burton’s “Beetlejuice” sequel. The excitement is palpable as the world’s biggest stars gather under the warm Italian sun.
Over the next ten days, you can expect to see Hollywood icons like Lady Gaga, George Clooney, Daniel Craig, Julianne Moore, and Brad Pitt strolling through Venice, all here for the world’s longest-running film festival, affectionately known as “La Mostra.” Running from August 28 to September 7, Venice isn’t just another film festival-it’s where the buzz for the Oscars starts, with the films showcased here often setting the tone for awards season.
Why Venice is Special
The Venice Film Festival isn’t just a prestigious event; it’s a part of cinematic history. Second only to Cannes in terms of glamour and influence, it’s also the oldest festival of its kind, dating back to 1932 when it first began as a non-competitive showcase by La Biennale di Venezia. Over the years, it’s been the birthplace of legendary films like “Grand Hotel” and “It Happened One Night.” This year, Venice opened its doors with the eagerly anticipated “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” and will close on September 7, with everyone eagerly awaiting the big award announcements.
What’s Competing for Top Honors?
This year’s lineup is stacked with some heavy hitters. Todd Phillips returns with “Joker: Folie à Deux,” while Pablo Larraín brings us “Maria,” a biopic on Maria Callas starring Angelina Jolie. There’s also the sultry thriller “Babygirl,” featuring Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson, directed by Halina Reijn, and Luca Guadagnino’s daring take on William S. Burroughs’ “Queer,” starring Daniel Craig and Jason Schwartzman. Not to mention Pedro Almodóvar’s first English-language film, “The Room Next Door,” with the always captivating Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton.
Outside the competition, there are still plenty of blockbusters to look forward to, including “Wolfs” with Pitt and Clooney, “Horizon: An American Saga-Chapter 2,” and of course, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.”
Venice 2024 is more than just a film festival, it’s a celebration of cinema, where dreams are made, and the journey to the Oscars truly begins.