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The Venice Film Festival 2023: A star-studded lineup and what to expect
The Venice Film Festival, one of the most prestigious cinematic events globally, is gearing up for its 81st edition. This year, the festival promises to be a dazzling affair, with a lineup that includes some of the biggest names in the film industry. The official announcement of the lineup was made today at 11 a.m. CET by artistic director Alberto Barbera and the new president of the Venice Biennale, Pietrangelo Buttafuoco.
Tim Burton’s “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” to open the festival
One of the most anticipated films of the festival is Tim Burton’s “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” which will open the event out of competition. The film stars Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci, Jenna Ortega, and Willem Dafoe. This star-studded cast is sure to draw significant attention and set a high bar for the rest of the festival. For a sneak peek, you can watch the trailer here.
Pedro Almodóvar’s English-language debut
Spanish auteur Pedro Almodóvar is also eyeing a competition spot with “The Room Next Door,” his English-language feature debut. The film stars Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton, two powerhouse actresses who are sure to deliver compelling performances. This film is expected to be a strong contender in the competition. Check out the trailer here.
Other notable films in competition
Several other films are generating buzz ahead of the festival. “Joker 2,” starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, is one of the most talked-about sequels in recent memory. Directed by Todd Phillips, this film promises to delve deeper into the dark and twisted world of the Joker. Watch the trailer here.
Pablo Larraín’s “Maria,” a biopic of famed opera singer Maria Callas starring Angelina Jolie, is another film to watch. Larraín is known for his meticulous storytelling, and with Jolie in the lead role, this film is expected to be a highlight of the festival. The trailer is available here.
Luca Guadagnino’s “Queer,” which tells a love story between Daniel Craig and “Outer Banks” breakout Drew Starkey, is also generating excitement. Guadagnino’s unique storytelling style and the intriguing cast make this film a must-watch. You can view the trailer here.
The international jury
This year’s international jury will be led by acclaimed French actor Isabelle Huppert. The jury includes notable filmmakers and actors such as James Gray (“Ad Astra”), Andrew Haigh (“All of Us Strangers”), Agnieszka Holland (“Green Border”), Kleber Mendonça Filho (“Bacurau”), Abderrahmane Sissako (“Bamako”), Giuseppe Tornatore (“Cinema Paradiso”), Julia von Heinz (“Treasure”), and Zhang Ziyi (“Memoirs of a Geisha”). Their diverse backgrounds and expertise promise a fair and insightful evaluation of the films in competition.
A festival to remember
The Venice Film Festival’s 81st edition will run from August 28 to September 7. With such a stellar lineup and an esteemed jury, this year’s festival is shaping up to be one of the most memorable in recent history. Whether you’re a film aficionado or a casual moviegoer, the Venice Film Festival offers something for everyone. As the festival unfolds, it will be fascinating to see which films capture the hearts and minds of the audience and the jury.
The full lineup is being updated live, and you can follow the announcements to stay informed about all the films and events. This year’s festival is not just about the films; it’s about celebrating the art of cinema and the incredible talent that brings these stories to life. As we look forward to the festival, it’s a time to reflect on the power of film to inspire, challenge, and entertain us.
