Venice Film Festival: Stars, Politics, and Cooler Weather

The 82nd Venice Film Festival is set to dazzle with a star-studded lineup, but not everyone is showing up.

High-Profile Attendees and Absentees

• Julia Roberts will grace the Lido for the first time.
• Gal Gadot is notably absent.
• The festival runs from August 27 to September 6, featuring high-profile movies and political drama.

Notable Films and Stars

• George Clooney and Adam Sandler will attend for Noah Baumbach’s “Jay Kelly.”
• Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt will be there for Benny Safdie’s “The Smashing Machine.”
• Jacob Elordi and Oscar Isaac are also expected, with Isaac starring in both “Frankenstein” and “In The Hand of Dante.”

Netflix’s Strong Presence

• Netflix will compete with three films:
• “Jay Kelly”
• “Frankenstein”
• Kathryn Bigelow’s “A House of Dynamite”

Political Tensions and Absences

• Alberto Barbera, the festival’s artistic director, mentioned that almost all key cast members are expected, except for Gal Gadot and Al Pacino, who stars in “Dead Man’s Wire.”
• Gadot’s absence comes amid controversy over her support for Israel and the recent box office flop of “Snow White,” which coincided with pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel protests.

Pro-Palestinian Demonstrations

• Demonstrations are expected, including one planned for August 30 and another during the screening of “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” a film about a Palestinian girl killed in Gaza.
• Olivier Assayas’ “The Wizard of the Kremlin” and Alexander Rodnyansky’s “Notes of a True Criminal” will also bring political tension, focusing on Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

Weather and Festival Promises

• Unlike last year’s scorching heat, this year’s weather is expected to be cooler, with highs in the mid-70s and occasional rain.
• The festival promises a mix of glamour, drama, and political discussions.