VENICE, ITALY – The world’s oldest film festival has once again transformed Venice’s Lido into a dazzling stage for cinema. The 82nd Venice International Film Festival, running from August 27 to September 6, 2025, opened with Paolo Sorrentino’s highly anticipated La grazia and is set to close with Cédric Jimenez’s thriller Dog 51.
Hollywood Meets Europe
From Julia Roberts and Emma Stone to George Clooney and Dwayne Johnson, Hollywood A-listers have already made waves on the red carpet, arriving in style via Venice’s iconic water taxis. Directors like Kathryn Bigelow, Guillermo del Toro, and Noah Baumbach bring major U.S. premieres, blending glamour with the gravitas of global storytelling.
Politics on the Big Screen
This year’s lineup shines a spotlight on geopolitics and social upheaval. Kaouther Ben Hania’s The Voice of Hind Rajab echoes the human toll of conflict in Gaza, while Olivier Assayas’s The Wizard of the Kremlin dramatizes Putin’s rise. Kathryn Bigelow’s A House of Dynamite dives into nuclear anxieties, and Guillermo del Toro reimagines Frankenstein as a parable for modern monsters.
Global Talent in Competition
The main competition features a powerful mix of established auteurs and emerging voices. Leonardo Di Costanzo’s Elisa, premiering September 4, and new works from Noah Baumbach, Kaouther Ben Hania, and Olivier Assayas are among the most talked-about entries vying for the prestigious Golden Lion.
Celebrating Cinema’s Legends
Beyond the competition, Venice is honoring giants of the industry. Werner Herzog and Kim Novak receive the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement, while Julian Schnabel and Gus Van Sant are recognized for their artistic contributions with special festival awards.
A Platform for New Voices
The festival’s Orizzonti section kicks off with Teona Mitevska’s Mother, a bold exploration of parenthood and resilience. French cinema is particularly strong this year, with entries like Silent Friend and Orphan showcasing Europe’s evolving creative landscape.
Red Carpet Buzz and Controversy
While the glamour dazzles, the festival has not escaped controversy. Gal Gadot is skipping the event after criticism linked to the Gaza conflict, highlighting the political tensions surrounding global cinema in 2025.
Venice as Cinema’s Global Stage
As stars, filmmakers, and industry leaders gather, the festival remains more than just a celebration of film—it is a mirror to world politics, culture, and change. From thought-provoking narratives to Hollywood blockbusters, Venice continues to bridge art and reality, proving once again why it is a cornerstone of international cinema.
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