The Venice Film Festival is getting closer and, like never before this year, in an edition that is accompanied by a round number (80) and therefore had to be special, uncertainty reigns. In fact, for the event, which will take place from August 30 to September 9, many confirmations from famous guests are still missing; in particular, there are fears for actors who have to come from abroad. The most important Italian festival in terms of cinema is really coming at a particular historical moment, in which the strike organized by the Sag-Aftra unions in Hollywood continues at a rapid pace. This pushes most of the stars not only to leave the set, but also not to attend film events and international promotional tours.
view more
Who definitely won’t
A heavy blow to the Festival has come in recent weeks. The Pretenders, a new film by Luca Guadagnino was supposed to open the exhibition, and this would lead to the appearance on the red carpet of one of the most respected and beloved stars of the time: Zendaya. However, the actress had already announced that she would not come to Italy, and probably also for this reason, which was supposed to be a discovery film. it has been postponed to 2024 and replaced. Thus, the eightieth edition of the festival will begin with Commander From Edward de Angelis, inspired by a true story and interpreted by Pierfrancesco Favino, who will be present in Venice.
He won’t even be on the beach Emma Stonemain character Poor things Yorgos Lanthimos, a film that tells the story of a modern Frankenstein woman. The actress was one of the first to declare her full participation in the Sag-Aftra strike and, consequently, her absence from Venice. No one Bradley Cooper can be seen in Italy. This is an even more important and meaningful choice. Cooper, in fact, is the director, as well as the lead actor of the feature film. Owner dedicated to the figure of Leonard Bernstein. Even he he decided to stay in the States to show solidarity against fellow actors and screenwriters in this union battle.
All confirmed international directors and Italian actors
All international directors of films presented in Venice will be there, with the exception of Cooper.
This means that we will see individuals of the caliber Woody Allen (his Coupe de Chance out of competition) Luc Besson (compete with Dogman), Wes Anderson (out of competition with The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar), Pablo Lorraine (El Conde), Sofia Coppola (Priscilla) and many others. He also joins them. Damien Chazellejury chairman.
Boom in attendance also for Italian actors and directors. In addition to Piefrancesco Favino, protagonist of the film that opens the exhibition, and Caterina Murino, godmother of the 80th Festival, there will also be many other famous names in Italian cinema. From Alba Rohrwacher To Tony Servillofrom Benedetta Porcaroli to Matteo Branchamor and Pietro Castellitto (Director Aeneas), Valerio Mastandrea Michaela Ramazzotti. Last in 2023 he will make his debut at the Lido as a director (and the protagonist) of the film Happinesswhich explores the courage it takes to save yourself from some unhealthy family ties.
Actors who could come to Venice thanks to the exemption
There are artists who have not yet removed the reservation about their presence in Venice. These are actors who have collaborated on films, in competition or out of competition, is considered independent, i.e. not related to the majors American So this clause should allow him to arrive at the Lido without technically breaking the strike.
Among the personalities confirmed on the red carpet would be for this reason Jessica Chastain – main character Memory, director Michael Franco, a film whose plot is still unknown – and Adam Driver. Still uncertain but likelyas well as the presence of Penelope Cruz, Lily James, Willem Dafoe, Lea Seydoux and Liam Neeson.