As the 81st Venice Film Festival approaches, expectations are high.
Contrary to initial fears that the writers' and actors' strike would reduce the presence of major titles, previews revealed by Variety indicate that this year's Lido will once again be the center of the cinematic universe.
Venice Film Festival 2024: the expected stars
The Venice 2024 red carpet promises to be as glittering as ever. Among the big names likely to walk the red carpet are such icons as Angelina Jolie, Lady Gaga, Joaquin Phoenix, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, and Daniel Craig. These stars will not only provide glamour and visibility for the festival, but also present some of the most anticipated films of the year.
Venice Film Festival 2024: Previews and films in competition
Joker: Folie à Deux
One of the most anticipated titles is undoubtedly Joker: Folie à Deux, the musical sequel to Todd Phillips' film that won the Golden Lion at Venice in 2019. Starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, the film promises to be a major media and artistic event.
Maria
Another film that could win over Lido audiences is Maria, Pablo Larraín's biopic about Maria Callas, starring Angelina Jolie. After the success of Spencer and Jackie, both of which screened in Venice, Larraín returns with another powerful female portrait destined to make its mark.
Queer
Italian director Luca Guadagnino could compete in the competition with Queer, a film adaptation of William S. Burroughs' novel of the same name. Daniel Craig plays the author's alter ego, an American expatriate struggling with heroin addiction in Mexico. A film that promises intensity and emotional depth.
Wolfs and Eden
Out-of-competition titles include Wolfs, an action comedy directed by Jon Watts starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt, and Eden, a survival thriller directed by Ron Howard with a stellar cast including Jude Law, Ana de Armas and Sydney Sweeney.
In the Hand of Dante.
Julian Schnabel may bring In the Hand of Dante, based on the book by Nick Tosches, to Venice. With a cast that includes Gal Gadot, Oscar Isaac, and Martin Scorsese as a wise old man, the film promises to be a fascinating blend of history and fantasy.
Modi
Finally, Johnny Depp may present Modi, his directorial return with a biopic about Amedeo Modigliani, starring Riccardo Scamarcio. This film represents a new opportunity for Depp to revive his career after recent personal controversies.
Venice Film Festival 2024: international resonance
Despite increasingly fierce competition from Cannes, Venice is confirmed as the main platform for world premieres of films aspiring to the Oscars. The presence of Isabelle Huppert as jury president adds further prestige and interest to the event.