He's one of Italy's most familiar faces, but even by Toni Servillo's standards it has been a busy week, with no less than three films premiering at the Venice Film Festival.

The 62-year-old's expressive face has lent itself perfectly to everything from larger-than-life politicians like Silvio Berlusconi to a mob boss in "Gomorrah". &nbsp;

He is perhaps best known abroad for his decades-long collaboration with director Paolo Sorrentino, including his starring role in the Oscar-winning "The Great Beauty".&nbsp;

Sorrentino, who describes Servillo as an older brother, cast him once again in his latest film, "The Hand of God", which premiered to strong reviews in Venice last week. &nbsp;

It sees Servillo take on the role of the director's father in the autobiographical film set in Naples during the heady years when football legend Diego Maradona delivered big dreams to the gritty southern city.

Twenty years ago, the pair were together in Venice with Sorrentino's feature film debut, "One Man Up", and they have worked together on almost all the director's Italian projects since.

On Wednesday, he was back again for the premiere of "The King of Laughter", directed by Mario Martone, in which he plays famous turn-of-the-century Neapolitan actor Eduardo Scarpetta.&nbsp;

Both "The Hand of God" and "The King of Laughter" are competing for the Golden Lion this year.&nbsp;

And Servillo also stars in "Ariaferma", playing out of competition, as a prison guard in a facility awaiting imminent closure.&nbsp;

Asked by AFP about his omnipresence on the red carpet this year, he gave one of his trademark smiles, saying: "Despite myself."&nbsp;

While the movie business has certainly kept him busy, Servillo said he was anxious to return to the theatre as soon as possible.&nbsp;

"Like many of my colleagues, Covid blocked my theatre activities. As soon as it's easy, I will return to the theatre," he told AFP.&nbsp;

"I'm not one of these actors who considers theatre a waiting room for film. I am a theatre militant!"

Born in 1958 in Naples, Servillo honed his craft in experimental theatre in the 1970s and 1980s in Naples before going on to win acclaim in films.&nbsp;

"The King of Laughter" was a chance to tap those theatrical roots, while giving a nod to the rich comic tradition of his hometown.&nbsp;

"I've been on stage for 40 years," he said. "I've done thousands of parts all over the world, so I know the life of the theatre.

"It's the story of a particular epoch in which Naples was... a capital of culture, not only Italy but Europe, and Scarpetta was a hero of this city.

"He was a comic who inspired joy and enthusiasm."

He's one of Italy's most familiar faces, but even by Toni Servillo's standards it has been a busy week, with no less than three films premiering at the Venice Film Festival.

He's one of Italy's most familiar faces, but even by Toni Servillo's standards it has been a busy week, with no less than three films premiering at the Venice Film Festival. The 62-year-old's expressive face has lent itself perfectly to everything from larger-than-life politicians like Silvio Berlusconi to a mob boss in "Gomorrah". He is perhaps best known abroad for his decades-long collaboration with director Paolo Sorrentino, including his starring role in the Oscar-winning "The Great Beauty". Sorrentino, who describes Servillo as an older brother, cast him once again in his latest film, "The Hand of God", which premiered to strong reviews in Venice last week. It sees Servillo take on the role of the director's father in the autobiographical film set in Naples during the heady years when football legend Diego Maradona delivered big dreams to the gritty southern city. Twenty years ago, the pair were together in Venice with Sorrentino's feature film debut, "One Man Up", and they have worked together on almost all the director's Italian projects since. On Wednesday, he was back again for the premiere of "The King of Laughter", directed by Mario Martone, in which he plays famous turn-of-the-century Neapolitan actor Eduardo Scarpetta. Both "The Hand of God" and "The King of Laughter" are competing for the Golden Lion this year. And Servillo also stars in "Ariaferma", playing out of competition, as a prison guard in a facility awaiting imminent closure. Asked by AFP about his omnipresence on the red carpet this year, he gave one of his trademark smiles, saying: "Despite myself." While the movie business has certainly kept him busy, Servillo said he was anxious to return to the theatre as soon as possible. "Like many of my colleagues, Covid blocked my theatre activities. As soon as it's easy, I will return to the theatre," he told AFP. "I'm not one of these actors who considers theatre a waiting room for film. I am a theatre militant!" Born in 1958 in Naples, Servillo honed his craft in experimental theatre in the 1970s and 1980s in Naples before going on to win acclaim in films. "The King of Laughter" was a chance to tap those theatrical roots, while giving a nod to the rich comic tradition of his hometown. "I've been on stage for 40 years," he said. "I've done thousands of parts all over the world, so I know the life of the theatre. "It's the story of a particular epoch in which Naples was... a capital of culture, not only Italy but Europe, and Scarpetta was a hero of this city. "He was a comic who inspired joy and enthusiasm."

Toni Servillo, Italy's everyman, in limelight at Venice

Romantic notions about Swinging Sixties London were slashed to pieces at the Venice Film Festival Saturday with the premiere of 'Last Night in Soho'.&nbsp;It is a very different role for Anya Taylor-Joy, the breakout star from last year's Netflix hit 'The Queen's Gambit', who finds herself doused in gallons of blood in the new psychological horror.&nbsp;

But at its heart, the movie has a serious point to make about our rose-tinted views of the past, director Edgar Wright told journalists in Venice.&nbsp;"It's dangerous to romanticise the past," he said.

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"As you get further away from a decade, you tend to concentrate on the good things. The Sixties become about the fashion or Carnaby Street and reduced to, like, Austin Powers fancy dress. But everything bad that's happening now was happening then."

Wright made his name with comedies 'Shaun of the Dead'&nbsp;and 'Hot Fuzz'&nbsp;that played with the cliches of horror and action films.&nbsp; His new film, playing out of competition in Venice, takes a more serious approach.&nbsp;

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/hollywood/news-edgar-wright-remembers-late-actor-diana-rigg-final-role-in-%E2%80%98last-night-in-soho%E2%80%99-410813" hreflang="en">Edgar Wright remembers late actor Diana Rigg final role in ‘Last Night in Soho’</a>

It features a modern-day fashion student (played by Thomasin&nbsp;McKenzie) transported back in time to 1960s Soho in central London.&nbsp;Initially intoxicated by the glamour of the time, things take a dark turn as she discovers the brutal misogyny suffered by her alter-ego (played by Taylor-Joy).

As it evolves into a slasher picture, the film keeps up a steady stream of classic songs from the period, which Taylor-Joy said was a particular pleasure for her.&nbsp; "The first music that I really fell in love was the music of the Sixties," she said at a press conference.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/venice-film-festival-zendaya-to-dakota-johnson-celebs-up-the-style-quotient-on-the-red-carpet-410205" hreflang="en">Venice Film Festival: Zendaya to Dakota Johnson, celebs up the style quotient on the red carpet</a>

"I tend to make playlists for my characters and for Sandy (her character) it was all the music I listened to when I was 16... It was a blast." 'Last Night in Soho'&nbsp;proved to be the last film for Diana Rigg, star of the iconic 1960s TV show 'The Avengers', who died in September 2020.&nbsp;

"It's desperately sad that I won't be able to have another gossipy brunch with Dame Diana Rigg. The only thing I can take away is how lucky I was to work with her," said Wright.&nbsp;

"She had to finish her work on the movie -- she was such a professional," he added. "We were told she needed to finish very urgently and we knew what that meant without asking."

Romantic notions about Swinging Sixties London were slashed to pieces at the Venice Film Festival Saturday with the premiere of 'Last Night in Soho'. It is a very different role for Anya Taylor-Joy, the breakout star from last year's Netflix hit 'The Queen's Gambit', who finds herself doused in gallons of blood in the new psychological horror.

Romantic notions about Swinging Sixties London were slashed to pieces at the Venice Film Festival Saturday with the premiere of 'Last Night in Soho'. It is a very different role for Anya Taylor-Joy, the breakout star from last year's Netflix hit 'The Queen's Gambit', who finds herself doused in gallons of blood in the new psychological horror. But at its heart, the movie has a serious point to make about our rose-tinted views of the past, director Edgar Wright told journalists in Venice. "It's dangerous to romanticise the past," he said. Jason Momoa shares new look of Aquaman from 'Lost Kingdom' sequel "As you get further away from a decade, you tend to concentrate on the good things. The Sixties become about the fashion or Carnaby Street and reduced to, like, Austin Powers fancy dress. But everything bad that's happening now was happening then." Wright made his name with comedies 'Shaun of the Dead' and 'Hot Fuzz' that played with the cliches of horror and action films. His new film, playing out of competition in Venice, takes a more serious approach. Edgar Wright remembers late actor Diana Rigg final role in ‘Last Night in Soho’ It features a modern-day fashion student (played by Thomasin McKenzie) transported back in time to 1960s Soho in central London. Initially intoxicated by the glamour of the time, things take a dark turn as she discovers the brutal misogyny suffered by her alter-ego (played by Taylor-Joy). As it evolves into a slasher picture, the film keeps up a steady stream of classic songs from the period, which Taylor-Joy said was a particular pleasure for her. "The first music that I really fell in love was the music of the Sixties," she said at a press conference. Venice Film Festival: Zendaya to Dakota Johnson, celebs up the style quotient on the red carpet "I tend to make playlists for my characters and for Sandy (her character) it was all the music I listened to when I was 16... It was a blast." 'Last Night in Soho' proved to be the last film for Diana Rigg, star of the iconic 1960s TV show 'The Avengers', who died in September 2020. "It's desperately sad that I won't be able to have another gossipy brunch with Dame Diana Rigg. The only thing I can take away is how lucky I was to work with her," said Wright. "She had to finish her work on the movie -- she was such a professional," he added. "We were told she needed to finish very urgently and we knew what that meant without asking."

'Last Night in Soho' brings MeToo to 1960s London

Hollywood star Kate Hudson and South Korean actress Jeon Jong-seo play two outsiders on a collision course with their surroundings in Ana Lily Amirpour`s Venice Film Festival competition entry 'Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon'. 
 
The fantasy adventure opens with Jeon`s mysterious Mona Lisa using supernatural powers to break free from the maximum-security wing of a mental asylum in New Orleans. Running away from the police she finds herself in the city`s raucous French Quarter where she comes to the rescue of exotic dancer and single mother Bonnie (Hudson) who in turn takes her in.

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Mona Lisa, with a taste for junk food and tenderness towards the underdogs, strikes up an unlikely friendship with Bonnie`s young son, Charles, and a local drug dealer (Ed Skrein), who are untroubled by her otherworldly abilities. 
 
"I wanted to find what`s optimistic about this madness that we`re all in. And I do think friendship is such a defining and important thing. It feeds us so much and it can take so many forms," Amirpour said in an interview with Reuters ahead of the film`s world premiere at Venice. 
"I definitely always have been an outsider in almost every way, literally coming from somewhere else, looking different, speaking different, adapting and surviving through that and also just not being into the things that seemed that everybody was into when I was kind of finding my own space," the English-born American-Iranian filmmaker told a news conference.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/afghanistan-becoming-country-without-artists-exiled-directors-warn-at-venice-film-festival-410981" hreflang="en">Afghanistan becoming 'country without artists' exiled directors warn at Venice Film Festival</a>

Amirpour, whose 2016 dystopian thriller 'The Bad Batch'&nbsp;also premiered at Venice, cast Hudson in a role the 'Almost Famous'&nbsp;and 'How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days'&nbsp;actress relished. 
 
"She was pregnant the first time I met her. I was like `so, if we can get that baby out then do you want to come and be a stripper?` And she was like `yeah, cool`," Amirpour joked at the news conference. 
 
"I sort of found this like a celebration of people who live very hard lives," Hudson, 42, told Reuters. "I think there`s this sort of liberating thing to be able to just live as you want and not care what other people think about your choices. And it was fun. It was fun to get into that with Bonnie," Hudson added. 
 
With Mona Lisa, Amirpour said she wanted to create a new type of a hero who is able to reinvent herself as she moves through different environments. "That`s freedom. That`s exciting," Amirpour told the news conference, adding that she hoped her protagonist would inspire young viewers to embrace their inner weirdo

Hollywood star Kate Hudson and South Korean actress Jeon Jong-seo play two outsiders on a collision course with their surroundings in Ana Lily Amirpour`s Venice Film Festival competition entry 'Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon'.

Hollywood star Kate Hudson and South Korean actress Jeon Jong-seo play two outsiders on a collision course with their surroundings in Ana Lily Amirpour`s Venice Film Festival competition entry 'Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon'. The fantasy adventure opens with Jeon`s mysterious Mona Lisa using supernatural powers to break free from the maximum-security wing of a mental asylum in New Orleans. Running away from the police she finds herself in the city`s raucous French Quarter where she comes to the rescue of exotic dancer and single mother Bonnie (Hudson) who in turn takes her in. Jason Momoa shares new look of Aquaman from 'Lost Kingdom' sequel Mona Lisa, with a taste for junk food and tenderness towards the underdogs, strikes up an unlikely friendship with Bonnie`s young son, Charles, and a local drug dealer (Ed Skrein), who are untroubled by her otherworldly abilities. "I wanted to find what`s optimistic about this madness that we`re all in. And I do think friendship is such a defining and important thing. It feeds us so much and it can take so many forms," Amirpour said in an interview with Reuters ahead of the film`s world premiere at Venice. "I definitely always have been an outsider in almost every way, literally coming from somewhere else, looking different, speaking different, adapting and surviving through that and also just not being into the things that seemed that everybody was into when I was kind of finding my own space," the English-born American-Iranian filmmaker told a news conference. Afghanistan becoming 'country without artists' exiled directors warn at Venice Film Festival Amirpour, whose 2016 dystopian thriller 'The Bad Batch' also premiered at Venice, cast Hudson in a role the 'Almost Famous' and 'How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days' actress relished. "She was pregnant the first time I met her. I was like `so, if we can get that baby out then do you want to come and be a stripper?` And she was like `yeah, cool`," Amirpour joked at the news conference. "I sort of found this like a celebration of people who live very hard lives," Hudson, 42, told Reuters. "I think there`s this sort of liberating thing to be able to just live as you want and not care what other people think about your choices. And it was fun. It was fun to get into that with Bonnie," Hudson added. With Mona Lisa, Amirpour said she wanted to create a new type of a hero who is able to reinvent herself as she moves through different environments. "That`s freedom. That`s exciting," Amirpour told the news conference, adding that she hoped her protagonist would inspire young viewers to embrace their inner weirdo

Kate Hudson, Jeon Jong-seo star in tribute to outsiders 'Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon'

Kate Hudson showed a very different side of herself at the Venice Film Festival on Sunday, playing a hard-nosed stripper in dark fairytale "Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon".&nbsp;

The actress said she was excited to take on the role, which is a world away from her best-known parts in sunny, crowd-pleasing romantic comedies like "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" and "Bride Wars".&nbsp;

She said the moment of revelation came when she found herself "at 3am lying on the concrete in Bourbon Street," referring to the central New Orleans location of the film.&nbsp;

"That's when I felt we really do crazy things for the movies," Hudson told reporters in Venice.

The film, which is competing for the Golden Lion at the festival, tells the story of a Korean girl with telepathic powers who escapes from a mental institution and forms a bond with Hudson's erotic dancer.&nbsp;

It is directed by Iranian-American Ana Lily Amirpour, who has established herself as a visionary newcomer in the style of uber-hip filmmaker Jim Jarmusch -- especially with her 2014 debut about Iranian vampires, "A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night".&nbsp;

"We got into this (film business) to take risks and do things that put yourself out there, and make choices that are brave," said Hudson.&nbsp;

"When you get to work with filmmakers that do that, it's just an exciting experience.&nbsp;

Amirpour said she had been "a fan of Kate forever".&nbsp;

"I've seen every movie she's done," Amirpour said at the press conference ahead of the film's red carpet premiere.&nbsp;

"She was full of a baby when I met her, and I said 'Get that baby out and then come and be a stripper.'"

Kate Hudson showed a very different side of herself at the Venice Film Festival on Sunday, playing a hard-nosed stripper in dark fairytale "Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon".

Kate Hudson showed a very different side of herself at the Venice Film Festival on Sunday, playing a hard-nosed stripper in dark fairytale "Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon". The actress said she was excited to take on the role, which is a world away from her best-known parts in sunny, crowd-pleasing romantic comedies like "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" and "Bride Wars". She said the moment of revelation came when she found herself "at 3am lying on the concrete in Bourbon Street," referring to the central New Orleans location of the film. "That's when I felt we really do crazy things for the movies," Hudson told reporters in Venice. The film, which is competing for the Golden Lion at the festival, tells the story of a Korean girl with telepathic powers who escapes from a mental institution and forms a bond with Hudson's erotic dancer. It is directed by Iranian-American Ana Lily Amirpour, who has established herself as a visionary newcomer in the style of uber-hip filmmaker Jim Jarmusch -- especially with her 2014 debut about Iranian vampires, "A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night". "We got into this (film business) to take risks and do things that put yourself out there, and make choices that are brave," said Hudson. "When you get to work with filmmakers that do that, it's just an exciting experience. Amirpour said she had been "a fan of Kate forever". "I've seen every movie she's done," Amirpour said at the press conference ahead of the film's red carpet premiere. "She was full of a baby when I met her, and I said 'Get that baby out and then come and be a stripper.'"

Rom-com queen Kate Hudson takes 'brave' turn with dark fairytale at Venice

There was moving testimony from Afghan filmmakers at the Venice Film Festival this weekend, as two female directors warned against trusting the Taliban's promises.

"In just two weeks, the most brilliant elements have left the country, at least those who were able," 38-year-old director Sahraa Karimi told reporters at the festival on Saturday.

"Imagine a country without artists," added Karimi, who has won several international prizes for her work.&nbsp;

She said the Afghan film industry had entirely stopped "in the space of a few hours" after last month's sudden takeover by the Taliban in the wake of the US military's withdrawal.

"The archives are now under the control of the Taliban. The work of directors vanished in a few hours. Some were able to leave with their computers, others with nothing at all."

Her fellow Sahra Mani, known for a documentary about victims of incest "A Thousand Girls Like Me", added: "This collapse meant we lost everything."

Mani, with a timid but determined air, used the example of Kabul's only mixed music school.&nbsp;

"The Taliban are now occupying the building. They have destroyed the students' instruments and the students are in hiding," she said on the verge of tears.&nbsp;

Mina, who became the first head of the Afghan Film Organisation in 2019, spoke of her personal escape on August 15.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-rom-com-queen-kate-hudson-takes-brave-turn-with-dark-fairytale-at-venice-410979" hreflang="en">Rom-com queen Kate Hudson takes 'brave' turn with dark fairytale at Venice</a>

"I started my day normally, and several hours later I had to take the hardest decision in my life: to stay or leave the country.

"We are actors, directors, producers, we are not politicians. We just want to realise our dreams."

She described her fellow exiles as "ambassadors of Afghan identity", and warned against trusting the Taliban.&nbsp;

"Not only are they more cruel, they are wiser due to their use of technology."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-angelina-jolie-expresses-concerns-over-girls-women-in-afghanistan-410941" hreflang="en">Angelina Jolie expresses concerns over girls, women in Afghanistan</a>

"We can only be saved by the international community. Help us! We need hope. Please be our voices and speak about our situation," added Mani.

The pair were joined at Venice by members of the International Coalition for Filmmakers at Risk (ICFR), which was formed at last year's festival to help artists from countries in turmoil such as Myanmar.&nbsp;

Today in Afghanistan, "the status of artist puts you in danger, you're at the top of the list," said Orwa Nyrabia, the Syrian head of the International Festival of Documentary Film in Amsterdam.

"We all have an interest in saving them, it's in our interest."

There was moving testimony from Afghan filmmakers at the Venice Film Festival this weekend, as two female directors warned against trusting the Taliban's promises.

There was moving testimony from Afghan filmmakers at the Venice Film Festival this weekend, as two female directors warned against trusting the Taliban's promises. "In just two weeks, the most brilliant elements have left the country, at least those who were able," 38-year-old director Sahraa Karimi told reporters at the festival on Saturday. "Imagine a country without artists," added Karimi, who has won several international prizes for her work. She said the Afghan film industry had entirely stopped "in the space of a few hours" after last month's sudden takeover by the Taliban in the wake of the US military's withdrawal. "The archives are now under the control of the Taliban. The work of directors vanished in a few hours. Some were able to leave with their computers, others with nothing at all." Her fellow Sahra Mani, known for a documentary about victims of incest "A Thousand Girls Like Me", added: "This collapse meant we lost everything." Mani, with a timid but determined air, used the example of Kabul's only mixed music school. "The Taliban are now occupying the building. They have destroyed the students' instruments and the students are in hiding," she said on the verge of tears. Mina, who became the first head of the Afghan Film Organisation in 2019, spoke of her personal escape on August 15. Rom-com queen Kate Hudson takes 'brave' turn with dark fairytale at Venice "I started my day normally, and several hours later I had to take the hardest decision in my life: to stay or leave the country. "We are actors, directors, producers, we are not politicians. We just want to realise our dreams." She described her fellow exiles as "ambassadors of Afghan identity", and warned against trusting the Taliban. "Not only are they more cruel, they are wiser due to their use of technology." Angelina Jolie expresses concerns over girls, women in Afghanistan "We can only be saved by the international community. Help us! We need hope. Please be our voices and speak about our situation," added Mani. The pair were joined at Venice by members of the International Coalition for Filmmakers at Risk (ICFR), which was formed at last year's festival to help artists from countries in turmoil such as Myanmar. Today in Afghanistan, "the status of artist puts you in danger, you're at the top of the list," said Orwa Nyrabia, the Syrian head of the International Festival of Documentary Film in Amsterdam. "We all have an interest in saving them, it's in our interest."

Afghanistan becoming 'country without artists', exiled directors warn at Venice Film Festival

Actors Jessica Chastain and Oscar Isaac have known each other for years, but being old friends was a mixed blessing when it came to playing a married couple in the new television miniseries 'Scenes from a Marriage', the pair said on Saturday. 
 
Chastain, 44, and Isaac, 42, who both studied at the Juilliard arts school and have been friends since college days, portray Mira and Jonathan in the HBO series, an adaptation of acclaimed Swedish director Ingmar Bergman`s miniseries of the same title. 
 
Directed by Israeli filmmaker Hagai Levi, the 2021 version is set in the United States and examines the themes of love, marriage, monogamy and divorce, also explored in the original series, through a contemporary lens.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-anya-taylor-joy-travels-back-in-time-in-thriller-last-night-in-soho-410802" hreflang="en">Anya Taylor-Joy travels back in time in thriller 'Last Night in Soho'</a> 
 
"This one explores gender roles in a relationship in the current time period in terms of salary ... who is supporting the family ... what it means to be a mother, a woman`s relationship to sex, all of these things," Chastain said. 
 
"The piece really allows you to look at what it meant to be a wife and mother in that time and what it could mean also in this time," she said as she presented the series at the Venice Film Festival with Isaac and Levi.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-cinderella-to-shang-chi-what-to-watch-this-weekend-410396">From 'Cinderella' to 'Shang-Chi': What to watch this weekend</a> 
 
Levi, 58, said watching the original 1973 series as a young religious Jewish boy in a remote village shocked and inspired him. 
He said he drew on his religious background for the screenplay, which he co-wrote, and strived to depict the challenges "the new man, softer, more inhibited and complicated" faces today. 
 
Chastain and Isaac described their close bond off set as "both a blessing and a curse" when it came to portraying the couple, translating to an easy intimacy and trust but allowing for little personal space. 
 
"We got to the point where we were reading each other`s minds and I was like, `get out of my head!`. I felt on this job there was no quiet time," Chastain said. 
 
An intimacy coordinator helped put the actors at ease when it came to filming sex scenes, but they were awkward nonetheless, she added. 
"I would still get embarrassed. Bourbon helped a lot."&nbsp;&nbsp;All five episodes of 'Scenes from a Marriage'&nbsp;are screening Out of Competition at the 78th Venice Film Festival which runs through Sept. 11.

Actors Jessica Chastain and Oscar Isaac have known each other for years, but being old friends was a mixed blessing when it came to playing a married couple in the new television miniseries 'Scenes from a Marriage', the pair said on Saturday.

Actors Jessica Chastain and Oscar Isaac have known each other for years, but being old friends was a mixed blessing when it came to playing a married couple in the new television miniseries 'Scenes from a Marriage', the pair said on Saturday. Chastain, 44, and Isaac, 42, who both studied at the Juilliard arts school and have been friends since college days, portray Mira and Jonathan in the HBO series, an adaptation of acclaimed Swedish director Ingmar Bergman`s miniseries of the same title. Directed by Israeli filmmaker Hagai Levi, the 2021 version is set in the United States and examines the themes of love, marriage, monogamy and divorce, also explored in the original series, through a contemporary lens. Anya Taylor-Joy travels back in time in thriller 'Last Night in Soho' "This one explores gender roles in a relationship in the current time period in terms of salary ... who is supporting the family ... what it means to be a mother, a woman`s relationship to sex, all of these things," Chastain said. "The piece really allows you to look at what it meant to be a wife and mother in that time and what it could mean also in this time," she said as she presented the series at the Venice Film Festival with Isaac and Levi. From 'Cinderella' to 'Shang-Chi': What to watch this weekend Levi, 58, said watching the original 1973 series as a young religious Jewish boy in a remote village shocked and inspired him. He said he drew on his religious background for the screenplay, which he co-wrote, and strived to depict the challenges "the new man, softer, more inhibited and complicated" faces today. Chastain and Isaac described their close bond off set as "both a blessing and a curse" when it came to portraying the couple, translating to an easy intimacy and trust but allowing for little personal space. "We got to the point where we were reading each other`s minds and I was like, `get out of my head!`. I felt on this job there was no quiet time," Chastain said. An intimacy coordinator helped put the actors at ease when it came to filming sex scenes, but they were awkward nonetheless, she added. "I would still get embarrassed. Bourbon helped a lot." All five episodes of 'Scenes from a Marriage' are screening Out of Competition at the 78th Venice Film Festival which runs through Sept. 11.

Jessica Chastain and Oscar Isaac get intimate for new TV miniseries

Zendaya is a stunner! 
 
The young actress arrived, and stole the show, at the Venice Film Festival for the premiere of her upcoming movie 'Dune'.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/venice-film-festival-zendaya-to-dakota-johnson-celebs-up-the-style-quotient-on-the-red-carpet-410205" hreflang="en">Venice Film Festival: Zendaya to Dakota Johnson, celebs up the style quotient on the red carpet</a> 
 
The actor walked the red carpet with her movie co-star Timothee Chalamet. Both the stars rocked the red carpet with their spectacular looks. Within few minutes of their red-carpet arrival, photos of the co-stars went viral.

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For the evening, the 'Euphoria' star stepped out in the 'wet'&nbsp;look by wearing a leather Balmain custom-made gown with a thigh-high slit - but her show-stopping necklace was the winner after all. The statement snake necklace, featuring a 93-carat emerald, was from Bulgari’s Magnifica high jewellery collection.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/critics-say-dune-movie-will-thrill-ardent-fans-may-mystify-others-410586" hreflang="en">Critics say 'Dune' movie will thrill ardent fans, may mystify others</a> 
 
On her makeup side, she wore a pink eyeshadow, smokey black eyeliner, dramatic bottom lashes with a glossy lip. 
 
Meanwhile, Timothee was wearing a Haider Ackermann all-black look.&nbsp;

Zendaya is a stunner! The young actress arrived, and stole the show, at the Venice Film Festival for the premiere of her upcoming movie 'Dune'. Venice Film Festival: Zendaya to Dakota Johnson, celebs up the style quotient on the red carpet The actor walked the red carpet with her movie co-star Timothee Chalamet.

Zendaya is a stunner! The young actress arrived, and stole the show, at the Venice Film Festival for the premiere of her upcoming movie 'Dune'. Venice Film Festival: Zendaya to Dakota Johnson, celebs up the style quotient on the red carpet The actor walked the red carpet with her movie co-star Timothee Chalamet. Both the stars rocked the red carpet with their spectacular looks. Within few minutes of their red-carpet arrival, photos of the co-stars went viral. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 𝒶𝒻𝓉𝑒𝓇𝓋𝑜𝑔𝓊𝑒 ✨ (@aftervogue) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Eliteblog (@elitegossp) × For the evening, the 'Euphoria' star stepped out in the 'wet' look by wearing a leather Balmain custom-made gown with a thigh-high slit - but her show-stopping necklace was the winner after all. The statement snake necklace, featuring a 93-carat emerald, was from Bulgari’s Magnifica high jewellery collection. Critics say 'Dune' movie will thrill ardent fans, may mystify others On her makeup side, she wore a pink eyeshadow, smokey black eyeliner, dramatic bottom lashes with a glossy lip. Meanwhile, Timothee was wearing a Haider Ackermann all-black look.

Zendaya stuns in a 'wet' look at Venice Film Festival

Filmmaker Denis Villeneuve's&nbsp;'Dune', which had its official world premiere at the Venice Film Festival on Friday evening, had the Sala Grande as it gave the adaptation of Frank Herbert`s 1965 sci-fi classic an eight-minute standing ovation. 
 
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Oscar-winning director Chloe Zhao, a member of the festival`s competition jury this year, rushed through the aisles to greet the `Dune` director with a big hug shouting, "fantastic!" The crowd`s standing ovation, meanwhile, roared on for a continuous eight minutes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-kristen-stewart%E2%80%99s-spencer-gets-3-minute-standing-ovation-at-venice-film-festival-410645" hreflang="en">Kristen Stewart’s 'Spencer' gets 3-minute standing ovation at Venice Film Festival</a>

After a pair of press screenings in the morning, and a full-scale Timothee Chalamet frenzy on the Lido in the afternoon, as Villeneuve and his talent-packed cast stepped out on the red carpet, the big unveiling of `Dune` finally arrived shortly before 7 pm. 
 
Though Chalamet drew the most screams from the huge crowd of Gen Z Italians surrounding the cinema, the full cast impressed with its sheer show of star power. 
 
Walking the carpet arm-in-arm with Villeneuve and Chalamet were co-stars Oscar Isaac, Rebecca Ferguson, Zendaya, Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Dave Bautista, Stellan Skarsgard and Chen Chang.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/venice-film-festival-zendaya-to-dakota-johnson-celebs-up-the-style-quotient-on-the-red-carpet-410205" hreflang="en">Venice Film Festival: Zendaya to Dakota Johnson, celebs up the style quotient on the red carpet</a> 
 
The ones who were lucky enough to score the exceedingly scarce tickets to the film`s screening were treated to an uncommonly spacious and comfortable premiere experience because the Sala Grande`s usual seating capacity of 1,200 had been reduced by half as a COVID precaution. 
 
Produced by Legendary Entertainment and Warner Brothers and billed as Part 1 of a planned two-chapter franchise starter, 'Dune'&nbsp;rolls out in cinemas in Europe starting September 15 and in the US in theatres and on HBO Max on October 22.&nbsp;

Filmmaker Denis Villeneuve's 'Dune', which had its official world premiere at the Venice Film Festival on Friday evening, had the Sala Grande as it gave the adaptation of Frank Herbert`s 1965 sci-fi classic an eight-minute standing ovation.

Filmmaker Denis Villeneuve's 'Dune', which had its official world premiere at the Venice Film Festival on Friday evening, had the Sala Grande as it gave the adaptation of Frank Herbert`s 1965 sci-fi classic an eight-minute standing ovation. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Oscar-winning director Chloe Zhao, a member of the festival`s competition jury this year, rushed through the aisles to greet the `Dune` director with a big hug shouting, "fantastic!" The crowd`s standing ovation, meanwhile, roared on for a continuous eight minutes. Kristen Stewart’s 'Spencer' gets 3-minute standing ovation at Venice Film Festival After a pair of press screenings in the morning, and a full-scale Timothee Chalamet frenzy on the Lido in the afternoon, as Villeneuve and his talent-packed cast stepped out on the red carpet, the big unveiling of `Dune` finally arrived shortly before 7 pm. Though Chalamet drew the most screams from the huge crowd of Gen Z Italians surrounding the cinema, the full cast impressed with its sheer show of star power. Walking the carpet arm-in-arm with Villeneuve and Chalamet were co-stars Oscar Isaac, Rebecca Ferguson, Zendaya, Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Dave Bautista, Stellan Skarsgard and Chen Chang. Venice Film Festival: Zendaya to Dakota Johnson, celebs up the style quotient on the red carpet The ones who were lucky enough to score the exceedingly scarce tickets to the film`s screening were treated to an uncommonly spacious and comfortable premiere experience because the Sala Grande`s usual seating capacity of 1,200 had been reduced by half as a COVID precaution. Produced by Legendary Entertainment and Warner Brothers and billed as Part 1 of a planned two-chapter franchise starter, 'Dune' rolls out in cinemas in Europe starting September 15 and in the US in theatres and on HBO Max on October 22.

'Dune' receives eight-minute standing ovation during world premiere at Venice Film Festival

Venice Film Festival: Zendaya to Dakota Johnson, celebs up the style quotient on the red carpet

The much-anticipated movie remake of science-fiction epic 'Dune[&nbsp;won praise from critics on Friday for its stunning visual spectacle, though some of the initial reviews said that only the most hard-core fans would enjoy the storytelling.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/hollywood/news-did-you-know-zendaya-only-spent-4-days-filming-dune-408844" hreflang="en">Did you know Zendaya only spent 4 days filming 'Dune'?</a> 
 
'Dune' debuted at the Venice Film Festival on Friday and will hit theatres and the HBO Max streaming service on Oct. 22. The movie is adapted from Frank Herbert`s 1965 novel about an intergalactic battle to control a precious resource. 
 
The book was made into a heavily panned 1984 film directed by David Lynch. Fans hoped that the new movie from Denis Villeneuve would capture more of the spirit of Herbert`s work.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-no-time-to-die-star-lashana-lynch-joins-viola-davis-in-%E2%80%98the-woman-king%E2%80%99-410519" hreflang="en">'No Time To Die' star Lashana Lynch joins Viola Davis in ‘The Woman King’</a> 
 
Starring Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya, the film "earns five stars for world-building and about two-and-a-half for storytelling," said Variety film critic Owen Gleiberman. "It`s not just that the story loses its pulse. It loses any sense that we`re emotionally invested in it."

Eighty-five per cent of 27 reviews collected on the Rotten Tomatoes website were labelled positive as of Friday afternoon. Some predicted that the movie would compete for Oscars in cinematography and other technical categories. 
 
Robbie Collin of The Daily Telegraph called it "science-fiction at its most majestic, unsettling and enveloping" and Xan Brooks of The Guardian lauded the film as "blockbuster cinema at its dizzying, dazzling best."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-telluride-film-festival-peter-dinklage-riz-ahmed-receive-silver-medallions-410528" hreflang="en">Telluride Film Festival: Peter Dinklage, Riz Ahmed receive silver medallions</a> 
 
Entertainment Weekly`s Leah Greenblatt awarded the movie a 'B'&nbsp;grade. "If you`re already knee-deep in Herbert mythology, you`ll thrill to every whispered word; if you come in not knowing the difference between a Holtzman shield and a hole in the floor, it`s a longer walk," Greenblatt said. 
 
David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter also said the "arcane" details might delight "Herbert geeks, but will have most everyone else zoning out." 
"It doesn’t quash the frequent claim that the book is unfilmable," he added. "At least not in part one of what is being billed as a two-part saga."

The much-anticipated movie remake of science-fiction epic 'Dune[ won praise from critics on Friday for its stunning visual spectacle, though some of the initial reviews said that only the most hard-core fans would enjoy the storytelling.

The much-anticipated movie remake of science-fiction epic 'Dune[ won praise from critics on Friday for its stunning visual spectacle, though some of the initial reviews said that only the most hard-core fans would enjoy the storytelling. Did you know Zendaya only spent 4 days filming 'Dune'? 'Dune' debuted at the Venice Film Festival on Friday and will hit theatres and the HBO Max streaming service on Oct. 22. The movie is adapted from Frank Herbert`s 1965 novel about an intergalactic battle to control a precious resource. The book was made into a heavily panned 1984 film directed by David Lynch. Fans hoped that the new movie from Denis Villeneuve would capture more of the spirit of Herbert`s work. 'No Time To Die' star Lashana Lynch joins Viola Davis in ‘The Woman King’ Starring Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya, the film "earns five stars for world-building and about two-and-a-half for storytelling," said Variety film critic Owen Gleiberman. "It`s not just that the story loses its pulse. It loses any sense that we`re emotionally invested in it." Eighty-five per cent of 27 reviews collected on the Rotten Tomatoes website were labelled positive as of Friday afternoon. Some predicted that the movie would compete for Oscars in cinematography and other technical categories. Robbie Collin of The Daily Telegraph called it "science-fiction at its most majestic, unsettling and enveloping" and Xan Brooks of The Guardian lauded the film as "blockbuster cinema at its dizzying, dazzling best." Telluride Film Festival: Peter Dinklage, Riz Ahmed receive silver medallions Entertainment Weekly`s Leah Greenblatt awarded the movie a 'B' grade. "If you`re already knee-deep in Herbert mythology, you`ll thrill to every whispered word; if you come in not knowing the difference between a Holtzman shield and a hole in the floor, it`s a longer walk," Greenblatt said. David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter also said the "arcane" details might delight "Herbert geeks, but will have most everyone else zoning out." "It doesn’t quash the frequent claim that the book is unfilmable," he added. "At least not in part one of what is being billed as a two-part saga."

Critics say 'Dune' movie will thrill ardent fans, may mystify others

One of the most anticipated movies of this&nbsp;year is Kristen Stewart's 'Spencer'. Ever since the first look and then the new trailer was released, everyone's been talking about&nbsp;Kristen's uncanny resemblance to&nbsp;Late Princess Diana.&nbsp; 
 
Now, the movie has premiered at Venice Film Festival and received a huge round of applause for the spectacular work. Both Stewart and the film's director Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larraín were present during the premiere and were seen embracing each other at the end of the screening when the audience stood up and hooted and cheered, showering Stewart with a standing ovation.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/venice-film-festival-zendaya-to-dakota-johnson-celebs-up-the-style-quotient-on-the-red-carpet-410205" hreflang="en">Venice Film Festival: Zendaya to Dakota Johnson, celebs up the style quotient on the red carpet</a> 
 
According to Variety, the first screening of the movie at the festival&nbsp;was met with a “rapturous response” from the attending audience. All that lasted for three minutes in total and saw Stewart teary-eyed, as she hugged her director Larrain.&nbsp; 
 
The new film, which is competing for the top Golden Lion award at Venice, was directed by Chilean Pablo Larrain and is described from the outset as "a fable from a true tragedy".

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Part of the five minute standing ovation for Stewart and Larrain’s Spencer at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Venezia78?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Venezia78</a> <a href="https://t.co/qdriXF5DxW">pic.twitter.com/qdriXF5DxW</a>
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It tracks the princess over three days at Christmas when the royal family is assembled at Queen Elizabeth's private residence at Sandringham--one of Queen Elizabeth II's private residences in Norfolk, England. 
 
The official synopsis of Spencer reads, “The marriage of Princess Diana and Prince Charles has long since grown cold. Though rumors of affairs and a divorce abound, peace is ordained for the Christmas festivities at the Queen’s Sandringham Estate. There’s eating and drinking, shooting and hunting. Diana knows the game. But this year, things will be profoundly different. Spencer is an imagining of what might have happened during those few fateful days.” 
 
A few days back, makers shared the teaser of the movie which depicts a fictionalized version of a weekend at the Sandringham Estate. &nbsp;

Watch the new teaser here:&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Lagauhb5GyY" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Ahead of the premier, Stewart told journalists,&nbsp;"I have tasted a high level of that, but really kind of nowhere near that monumental, symbolic representation of an entire group of people, an entire country -- and the world," she said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-no-one-can-understand-what-diana-endured-kristen-stewart-410598">Read more here</a>

One of the most anticipated movies of this year is Kristen Stewart's 'Spencer'. Ever since the first look and then the new trailer was released, everyone's been talking about Kristen's uncanny resemblance to Late Princess Diana.

One of the most anticipated movies of this year is Kristen Stewart's 'Spencer'. Ever since the first look and then the new trailer was released, everyone's been talking about Kristen's uncanny resemblance to Late Princess Diana. Now, the movie has premiered at Venice Film Festival and received a huge round of applause for the spectacular work. Both Stewart and the film's director Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larraín were present during the premiere and were seen embracing each other at the end of the screening when the audience stood up and hooted and cheered, showering Stewart with a standing ovation. Venice Film Festival: Zendaya to Dakota Johnson, celebs up the style quotient on the red carpet According to Variety, the first screening of the movie at the festival was met with a “rapturous response” from the attending audience. All that lasted for three minutes in total and saw Stewart teary-eyed, as she hugged her director Larrain. The new film, which is competing for the top Golden Lion award at Venice, was directed by Chilean Pablo Larrain and is described from the outset as "a fable from a true tragedy". Part of the five minute standing ovation for Stewart and Larrain’s Spencer at #Venezia78 pic.twitter.com/qdriXF5DxW — Zac (@ZacharyNtim) September 3, 2021 × It tracks the princess over three days at Christmas when the royal family is assembled at Queen Elizabeth's private residence at Sandringham--one of Queen Elizabeth II's private residences in Norfolk, England. The official synopsis of Spencer reads, “The marriage of Princess Diana and Prince Charles has long since grown cold. Though rumors of affairs and a divorce abound, peace is ordained for the Christmas festivities at the Queen’s Sandringham Estate. There’s eating and drinking, shooting and hunting. Diana knows the game. But this year, things will be profoundly different. Spencer is an imagining of what might have happened during those few fateful days.” A few days back, makers shared the teaser of the movie which depicts a fictionalized version of a weekend at the Sandringham Estate. Watch the new teaser here: Ahead of the premier, Stewart told journalists, "I have tasted a high level of that, but really kind of nowhere near that monumental, symbolic representation of an entire group of people, an entire country -- and the world," she said. Read more here

Kristen Stewart’s 'Spencer' gets 3-minute standing ovation at Venice Film Festival

Director Jane Campion is busy promoting her upcoming, Benedict Cumberbatch-led film <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-the-power-of-the-dog-teaser-benedict-cumberbatchs-conniving-act-leaves-fans-hooting-409017">'The Power of the Dog'</a> at the coveted Venice Film festival 2021.&nbsp;

 
During a session, the director-actor duo reportedly discussed the recent success of female filmmakers and toxic masculinity, among other topics. Campion also talked her hopes for the role in film industry.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-exclusive--anurag-basu-to-wion-ranbir-kapoor-alia-bhatt-are-my-favourite-actors-410635">Exclusive | Anurag Basu to WION: Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt are my favourite actors</a>

 
"All I can say is that, since the #MeToo movement happened, I feel a change in the weather. It’s like the Berlin Wall coming down or the end of apartheid for us women," she reportedly said.

 
"The girls are doing very well. But I still know the statistics are not in favour (of women)," Campion added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-no-one-can-understand-what-diana-endured-kristen-stewart-410598">No one can understand what Diana endured: Kristen Stewart</a>

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-venice-film-festival-benedict-cumberbatch-sophie-hunter-seal-it-with-a-kiss-410518">Cumberbatch</a>, who plays a conniving man with a haunting whistle in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-all-180-episodes-of-%E2%80%98seinfeld%E2%80%99-to-premiere-on-netflix-this-october-410267">Netflix</a> film, talked about his character. “As far as how it speaks to the message of toxic masculinity in the world. If you try to understand it and acknowledge it, that’s the only way to change it. You can’t just oppose it – that’s fuel on the fire.”

 
“You have to understand why these damaged people are causing damage to others and themselves. Whether that’s world leaders on the stage – strong men in politics who have risen again in recent times – or whether that’s something in your own life or culture. It has to be addressed and challenged but it also has to be understood. It’s not just about locking away the monster and throwing away the key. Otherwise it keeps recycling," he added.&nbsp;

Director Jane Campion is busy promoting her upcoming, Benedict Cumberbatch-led film 'The Power of the Dog' at the coveted Venice Film festival 2021. During a session, the director-actor duo reportedly discussed the recent success of female filmmakers and toxic masculinity, among other topics.

Director Jane Campion is busy promoting her upcoming, Benedict Cumberbatch-led film 'The Power of the Dog' at the coveted Venice Film festival 2021. During a session, the director-actor duo reportedly discussed the recent success of female filmmakers and toxic masculinity, among other topics. Campion also talked her hopes for the role in film industry. Also read: Exclusive | Anurag Basu to WION: Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt are my favourite actors "All I can say is that, since the #MeToo movement happened, I feel a change in the weather. It’s like the Berlin Wall coming down or the end of apartheid for us women," she reportedly said. "The girls are doing very well. But I still know the statistics are not in favour (of women)," Campion added. Also read: No one can understand what Diana endured: Kristen Stewart Cumberbatch, who plays a conniving man with a haunting whistle in the Netflix film, talked about his character. “As far as how it speaks to the message of toxic masculinity in the world. If you try to understand it and acknowledge it, that’s the only way to change it. You can’t just oppose it – that’s fuel on the fire.” “You have to understand why these damaged people are causing damage to others and themselves. Whether that’s world leaders on the stage – strong men in politics who have risen again in recent times – or whether that’s something in your own life or culture. It has to be addressed and challenged but it also has to be understood. It’s not just about locking away the monster and throwing away the key. Otherwise it keeps recycling," he added.

Venice Film Festival: Jane Campion feels a change in 'weather' since Me Too happened

Jamie Lee Curtis was 'surprised' to learn that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/netflix-shows-off-its-power-in-venice-film-festival-410370">Venice Film Festival</a> 2021's Lifetime Achievement Award has been bestowed upon her.&nbsp;

 
“It seems weird to think of myself being old enough and experienced enough to war- rant a lifetime of achievement. I’m just beginning my work," she told THR in an exclusive interview.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interview-%E2%80%98helmet%E2%80%99-actress-pranutan-bahl-on-being-nutan%E2%80%99s-granddaughter-and-belonging-to-a-family-of-staunch-feminists-410349">‘Helmet’ actress Pranutan Bahl on her family of staunch feminists and being Nutan's granddaughter</a>

When asked about breaking the news to her family, Curtis said she did not even mention it. "To be honest, I get so much attention as a public person who is still active in their day job. So, I don’t even think I mentioned it because it’s just more attention. Obviously, they were proud of the acknowledgement from the Venice Film Festival (when they found out)," she reportedly said.

 
Talking about the most memorable bit from the set of her film 'Halloween kills'--which will premiere at the festival on September 8--she said, "When I saw Kyle Richards and Nancy Stephens [from the original Halloween], I realized the passage of time and how long we’ve all been a part of this story. There was a moment where I ran into both of them early on. And it was very emotional because Kyle Richards was little Lindsey, a little girl I’m babysitting in [Halloween]. And she’s now a full-grown woman, living a very wonderful life. The passage of time was extraordinary. In this film, we are telling more of the story of Laurie Strode and Lindsay and Marion, Nancy’s character, and that we’re all survivors. And it was a great moment of survival and pride."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/here-they-go-again-abba-reunite-for-first-new-album-in-40-years-410332">Here they go again - ABBA reunite for first new album in 40 years</a>

Jamie Lee Curtis is an American actress with an acting career spanning four decades. She has won mutiple awards as an actress including a BAFTA and Golden Globe.&nbsp;

Jamie Lee Curtis was 'surprised' to learn that the Venice Film Festival 2021's Lifetime Achievement Award has been bestowed upon her. “It seems weird to think of myself being old enough and experienced enough to war- rant a lifetime of achievement.

Jamie Lee Curtis was 'surprised' to learn that the Venice Film Festival 2021's Lifetime Achievement Award has been bestowed upon her. “It seems weird to think of myself being old enough and experienced enough to war- rant a lifetime of achievement. I’m just beginning my work," she told THR in an exclusive interview. Also read: ‘Helmet’ actress Pranutan Bahl on her family of staunch feminists and being Nutan's granddaughter When asked about breaking the news to her family, Curtis said she did not even mention it. "To be honest, I get so much attention as a public person who is still active in their day job. So, I don’t even think I mentioned it because it’s just more attention. Obviously, they were proud of the acknowledgement from the Venice Film Festival (when they found out)," she reportedly said. Talking about the most memorable bit from the set of her film 'Halloween kills'--which will premiere at the festival on September 8--she said, "When I saw Kyle Richards and Nancy Stephens [from the original Halloween], I realized the passage of time and how long we’ve all been a part of this story. There was a moment where I ran into both of them early on. And it was very emotional because Kyle Richards was little Lindsey, a little girl I’m babysitting in [Halloween]. And she’s now a full-grown woman, living a very wonderful life. The passage of time was extraordinary. In this film, we are telling more of the story of Laurie Strode and Lindsay and Marion, Nancy’s character, and that we’re all survivors. And it was a great moment of survival and pride." Also read: Here they go again - ABBA reunite for first new album in 40 years Jamie Lee Curtis is an American actress with an acting career spanning four decades. She has won mutiple awards as an actress including a BAFTA and Golden Globe.

Venice Film Festival: Jamie Lee Curtis wins Lifetime Achievement Award

Netflix demonstrated its creative mettle once again in Venice on Thursday with two powerful movies from elite filmmakers, cementing its credentials at a time when the industry is torn over streaming.

British star Benedict Cumberbatch said he was "thrilled" to have the streaming giant backing his new film, 'The Power of the Dog', by legendary New Zealand director Jane Campion.&nbsp;

"We live in a very uncertain time," he told AFP ahead of its Venice premiere. "We're a variant-hair's breadth away from all this -- being in a cinema -- not being possible again.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/venice-film-festival-barbara-palvin-to-penelope-cruz-celebs-up-the-style-quotient-on-the-red-carpet-410205" hreflang="en">Venice Film Festival: Barbara Palvin to Penelope Cruz: Celebs up the style quotient on the red carpet</a>

"I'm kind of thrilled that we have somebody who's going to get the work seen."

'The Power of the Dog', a tale of sibling rivalry on a Montana ranch, is the sort of emotionally complex film that Netflix has looked to support while traditional studios pour their money into superheroes and car chases.

Its red carpet premiere in Venice was followed by another Netflix-backed movie that looked destined for critical success.&nbsp;

'The Hand of God'&nbsp;by Italian Oscar winner Paolo Sorrentino, a heart-breaking tale of his youth in Naples, was immediately tipped as a favourite for the festival's top award, the Golden Lion.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/hollywood/news-pedro-almod%C3%B3var%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%98parallel-mothers%E2%80%99-gets-nine-minute-standing-ovation-at-venice-film-festival-410224" hreflang="en">Pedro Almodóvar’s ‘Parallel Mothers’ gets nine-minute standing ovation at Venice Film Festival</a>&nbsp;

To stream or not to stream -

"The message of the movie is that there is a future for everyone, regardless of the suffering and the pain you have experienced in life," Sorrentino told reporters.

The future certainly looks bright for Netflix, which has found great success launching films at Venice in recent years. 'Roma'&nbsp;and 'Marriage Story'&nbsp;both picked up a lot of buzz at the festival before scoring awards in Hollywood.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Venice benefits from the fact that its main rival, Cannes, is not allowed to show Netflix movies due to strict French rules about entries getting a full theatrical release.&nbsp;

Hollywood is also deeply torn over whether to keep releasing films on streaming services as cinemas re-emerge from the pandemic.&nbsp;

Cumberbatch's Marvel co-star Scarlett Johansson is suing Disney over its decision to release the superhero movie 'Black Widow'&nbsp;on its streaming service this summer, saying it cost her millions of dollars in cinema revenue.

Another huge blockbuster, 'Dune', which premieres in Venice on Friday, will also get a simultaneous release on HBO Max. Having spent $165 million on awe-inspiring visual effects, 'Dune'&nbsp;director Denis Villeneuve recently described that decision as "ridiculous".&nbsp;

Benedict's World Cup trauma -

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/hollywood/news-venice-film-festival-delegates-struggle-with-covid-checks-410013" hreflang="en">Venice Film Festival: Delegates struggle with COVID checks</a>

"The best way I can compare it is to drive a speedboat in your bathtub," he told Total Film.&nbsp; Cumberbatch agreed that streamers need to keep the cinema experience alive, and said he was confident that Netflix was striking the right balance.&nbsp;

"Culturally, it's really important for streaming services to help nourish that, he said.&nbsp; "As long as it really is happening... as long as it's not just good talk, then great."

The 'Doctor Strange'&nbsp;star added that, while he was excited to be back at a film festival, he had a bit of trouble seeing the Italian flag after England's traumatic World Cup final loss earlier this summer.&nbsp;

"(The premiere) will be the most people I've been in a room with, apart from the Wembley final, but we don't talk about that," he said, laughing. &nbsp;

"I saw the Italian flag and I suddenly had this weird depth-charge of sadness go off in me from the last time I saw that flag, which was when I also saw the St George flag wrapped around people drowned in rain, going home looking at their shoe laces."

Netflix demonstrated its creative mettle once again in Venice on Thursday with two powerful movies from elite filmmakers, cementing its credentials at a time when the industry is torn over streaming.

Netflix demonstrated its creative mettle once again in Venice on Thursday with two powerful movies from elite filmmakers, cementing its credentials at a time when the industry is torn over streaming. British star Benedict Cumberbatch said he was "thrilled" to have the streaming giant backing his new film, 'The Power of the Dog', by legendary New Zealand director Jane Campion. "We live in a very uncertain time," he told AFP ahead of its Venice premiere. "We're a variant-hair's breadth away from all this -- being in a cinema -- not being possible again. Venice Film Festival: Barbara Palvin to Penelope Cruz: Celebs up the style quotient on the red carpet "I'm kind of thrilled that we have somebody who's going to get the work seen." 'The Power of the Dog', a tale of sibling rivalry on a Montana ranch, is the sort of emotionally complex film that Netflix has looked to support while traditional studios pour their money into superheroes and car chases. Its red carpet premiere in Venice was followed by another Netflix-backed movie that looked destined for critical success. 'The Hand of God' by Italian Oscar winner Paolo Sorrentino, a heart-breaking tale of his youth in Naples, was immediately tipped as a favourite for the festival's top award, the Golden Lion. Pedro Almodóvar’s ‘Parallel Mothers’ gets nine-minute standing ovation at Venice Film Festival To stream or not to stream - "The message of the movie is that there is a future for everyone, regardless of the suffering and the pain you have experienced in life," Sorrentino told reporters. The future certainly looks bright for Netflix, which has found great success launching films at Venice in recent years. 'Roma' and 'Marriage Story' both picked up a lot of buzz at the festival before scoring awards in Hollywood. Venice benefits from the fact that its main rival, Cannes, is not allowed to show Netflix movies due to strict French rules about entries getting a full theatrical release. Hollywood is also deeply torn over whether to keep releasing films on streaming services as cinemas re-emerge from the pandemic. Cumberbatch's Marvel co-star Scarlett Johansson is suing Disney over its decision to release the superhero movie 'Black Widow' on its streaming service this summer, saying it cost her millions of dollars in cinema revenue. Another huge blockbuster, 'Dune', which premieres in Venice on Friday, will also get a simultaneous release on HBO Max. Having spent $165 million on awe-inspiring visual effects, 'Dune' director Denis Villeneuve recently described that decision as "ridiculous". Benedict's World Cup trauma - Venice Film Festival: Delegates struggle with COVID checks "The best way I can compare it is to drive a speedboat in your bathtub," he told Total Film. Cumberbatch agreed that streamers need to keep the cinema experience alive, and said he was confident that Netflix was striking the right balance. "Culturally, it's really important for streaming services to help nourish that, he said. "As long as it really is happening... as long as it's not just good talk, then great." The 'Doctor Strange' star added that, while he was excited to be back at a film festival, he had a bit of trouble seeing the Italian flag after England's traumatic World Cup final loss earlier this summer. "(The premiere) will be the most people I've been in a room with, apart from the Wembley final, but we don't talk about that," he said, laughing. "I saw the Italian flag and I suddenly had this weird depth-charge of sadness go off in me from the last time I saw that flag, which was when I also saw the St George flag wrapped around people drowned in rain, going home looking at their shoe laces."

Netflix shows off its power in Venice Film Festival

As the Venice Film festival continues in full force this year, actor Roberto Benigni received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. The legendary Italian comedian gave a mile-a-minute “thank you” speech to cap an emotional start to the film festival.

It was emotional because host and Italian actor Serena Rossi dedicated the opening night to Afghani people who are going through a tough time courtesy the collapse of their government and law and order after Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan. Rossi said, “We want to say to them: you are not alone,” at the 78th Venice Film Festival.&nbsp;

Then, Roberto Benigni was honoured as Jane Campion, the first female director to win the Palme d’Or in Cannes, who returns to Venice this year with ‘The Power of the Dog’, her first feature film in 12 years said Roberto was at the top of the moon as she compared his excitement to “an exploding bottle of Prosecco” which was particularly needed “at this difficult time for filmmakers and for people all over the world.”&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interview-%E2%80%98helmet%E2%80%99-actress-pranutan-bahl-on-being-nutan%E2%80%99s-granddaughter-and-belonging-to-a-family-of-staunch-feminists-410349" hreflang="en">‘Helmet’ actress Pranutan Bahl on her family of staunch feminists and being Nutan's granddaughter</a>

The 78th annual Venice International Film Festival began on September 1 and will continue till September 11 at Lido, Venice.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-venice-film-festival-jamie-lee-curtis-wins-lifetime-achievement-award-410384" hreflang="en">Venice Film Festival: Jamie Lee Curtis wins Lifetime Achievement Award</a>

As the Venice Film festival continues in full force this year, actor Roberto Benigni received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. The legendary Italian comedian gave a mile-a-minute “thank you” speech to cap an emotional start to the film festival.

As the Venice Film festival continues in full force this year, actor Roberto Benigni received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. The legendary Italian comedian gave a mile-a-minute “thank you” speech to cap an emotional start to the film festival. It was emotional because host and Italian actor Serena Rossi dedicated the opening night to Afghani people who are going through a tough time courtesy the collapse of their government and law and order after Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan. Rossi said, “We want to say to them: you are not alone,” at the 78th Venice Film Festival. Then, Roberto Benigni was honoured as Jane Campion, the first female director to win the Palme d’Or in Cannes, who returns to Venice this year with ‘The Power of the Dog’, her first feature film in 12 years said Roberto was at the top of the moon as she compared his excitement to “an exploding bottle of Prosecco” which was particularly needed “at this difficult time for filmmakers and for people all over the world.” Also Read: ‘Helmet’ actress Pranutan Bahl on her family of staunch feminists and being Nutan's granddaughter The 78th annual Venice International Film Festival began on September 1 and will continue till September 11 at Lido, Venice. Venice Film Festival: Jamie Lee Curtis wins Lifetime Achievement Award

Venice Film Festival: Roberto Benigni honoured with The Lifetime Achievement Award

Hollywood actor Benedict Cumberbatch walked the red carpet with wife Sophie Hunter that he attended for the screening of his film<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-the-power-of-the-dog-teaser-benedict-cumberbatchs-conniving-act-leaves-fans-hooting-409017"> 'The Power of the Dog'</a> at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-venice-film-festival-jamie-lee-curtis-wins-lifetime-achievement-award-410384">Venice Film Festival 2021</a>.

 
The 'Sherlock' actor looked chirpy and smiled for the shutterbugs before leaning in for a kiss. Sophie, of course, obliged.&nbsp;

 
While <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/benedict-cumberbatch-thinks-he-contracted-covid-19-while-filming-early-in-pandemic-375255">Benedict</a> suited up for the occasion, Sophie looked elegant in a floral gown.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-cinderella-review-camila-cabella--co-all-for-emancipation-of-women-410503">Cinderella review: Camila Cabella &amp; Co. all for emancipation of women</a>

Benedict and Sophie tied the knot in 2015 and have three kids together. They were friends for 17 years before taking their relationship to the next level.

 
The film's new teaser sees the actor donning cowboy hats and boots, riding horses and taking on the role of a menacing man who specializes in blowing out a haunting whistle.

 
Now, Cumberbatch has played many characters in the past but never a man this conniving. And fans are loving this new avatar of his!

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-shang-chi-star-menger-zhang-asian-kids-can-now-have-heroes-that-they-can-look-up-to-410436">'Shang-Chi' star Meng'er Zhang: Asian kids can now have heroes that they can look up to</a>

 
"Woaaah... That's what we call a teaser," a fan commented on the teaser video, while another said, "Benedict looks so interesting in the teaser. Must give it a watch."

 
"This one is going to be epic," was another user's take on the recently released teaser.

 
'The Power of the Dog' is based on a novel by the same name by Thomas Savage. The storyline centers around an intimidating rancher, Phil Burbank (Benedict), and his brother, George (Plemons).

 
Thomasin McKenzie, Frances Conroy, Keith Carradine, Peter Carroll, and Adam Beach are also a part of the film, which is scheduled to release on Netflix on December 1.&nbsp;

 
Before streaming on the digital platform, 'The Power of the Dog' will be released in several theatres on November 17, reports confirm.&nbsp;

Hollywood actor Benedict Cumberbatch walked the red carpet with wife Sophie Hunter that he attended for the screening of his film 'The Power of the Dog' at the Venice Film Festival 2021.

Hollywood actor Benedict Cumberbatch walked the red carpet with wife Sophie Hunter that he attended for the screening of his film 'The Power of the Dog' at the Venice Film Festival 2021. The 'Sherlock' actor looked chirpy and smiled for the shutterbugs before leaning in for a kiss. Sophie, of course, obliged. While Benedict suited up for the occasion, Sophie looked elegant in a floral gown. Also read: Cinderella review: Camila Cabella & Co. all for emancipation of women Benedict and Sophie tied the knot in 2015 and have three kids together. They were friends for 17 years before taking their relationship to the next level. The film's new teaser sees the actor donning cowboy hats and boots, riding horses and taking on the role of a menacing man who specializes in blowing out a haunting whistle. Now, Cumberbatch has played many characters in the past but never a man this conniving. And fans are loving this new avatar of his! Also read: 'Shang-Chi' star Meng'er Zhang: Asian kids can now have heroes that they can look up to "Woaaah... That's what we call a teaser," a fan commented on the teaser video, while another said, "Benedict looks so interesting in the teaser. Must give it a watch." "This one is going to be epic," was another user's take on the recently released teaser. 'The Power of the Dog' is based on a novel by the same name by Thomas Savage. The storyline centers around an intimidating rancher, Phil Burbank (Benedict), and his brother, George (Plemons). Thomasin McKenzie, Frances Conroy, Keith Carradine, Peter Carroll, and Adam Beach are also a part of the film, which is scheduled to release on Netflix on December 1. Before streaming on the digital platform, 'The Power of the Dog' will be released in several theatres on November 17, reports confirm.

Venice Film Festival: Benedict Cumberbatch, Sophie Hunter seal it with a kiss!

Venice Film festival 2021 picked up with Pedro Almodóvar’s ‘Parallel Mothers’ on its opening night as attendees thronged the much-awaited festival.&nbsp;

The opening night world premiere of the Penelope Cruz starrer got a standing ovation for nine minutes, a feat in itself.&nbsp;

The film is about the complicated relationship between two women (Penélope Cruz and newcomer Milena Smit) who meet in a hospital room where they are going to give birth, was screened for the press this morning and has received positive reviews from critics.

In bringing the film to Venice Film festival for its premiere, Venice chief Alberto Barbera noted that the fest had been been courting the Spanish maestro to return to Venice — his 1988 ‘Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown’ having “really launched his international career.”&nbsp;

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-venice-film-festival-delegates-struggle-with-covid-checks-410013" hreflang="en">Venice Film Festival: Delegates struggle with COVID checks</a></h2>

Parallel Mothers opens in the US theaters December 24 via Sony Pictures Classics.

The Venice Film Festival saw ‘Life Is Beautiful’ Oscar winner Roberto Benigni receiving a Golden Lion Career Achievement Award.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-spencer-to-the-power-of-the-dog-films-chasing-top-prize-at-venice-film-festival-409394" hreflang="en">From 'Spencer' to 'The Power of the Dog': Films chasing top prize at Venice Film Festival</a>

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-marilyn-manson-says-hes-not-guilty-of-assault-in-2019-concert-case-410208" hreflang="en">Marilyn Manson says he's 'not guilty' of assault in 2019 concert case</a></h2>

Venice Film festival 2021 picked up with Pedro Almodóvar’s ‘Parallel Mothers’ on its opening night as attendees thronged the much-awaited festival. The opening night world premiere of the Penelope Cruz starrer got a standing ovation for nine minutes, a feat in itself.

Venice Film festival 2021 picked up with Pedro Almodóvar’s ‘Parallel Mothers’ on its opening night as attendees thronged the much-awaited festival. The opening night world premiere of the Penelope Cruz starrer got a standing ovation for nine minutes, a feat in itself. The film is about the complicated relationship between two women (Penélope Cruz and newcomer Milena Smit) who meet in a hospital room where they are going to give birth, was screened for the press this morning and has received positive reviews from critics. In bringing the film to Venice Film festival for its premiere, Venice chief Alberto Barbera noted that the fest had been been courting the Spanish maestro to return to Venice — his 1988 ‘Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown’ having “really launched his international career.” Venice Film Festival: Delegates struggle with COVID checks Parallel Mothers opens in the US theaters December 24 via Sony Pictures Classics. The Venice Film Festival saw ‘Life Is Beautiful’ Oscar winner Roberto Benigni receiving a Golden Lion Career Achievement Award. From 'Spencer' to 'The Power of the Dog': Films chasing top prize at Venice Film Festival Marilyn Manson says he's 'not guilty' of assault in 2019 concert case

Pedro Almodóvar’s ‘Parallel Mothers’ gets nine-minute standing ovation at Venice Film Festival

As the Venice Film Festival returned this year, delegates started to arrive for the first day’s hustle and industry screening -- Pedro Almodóvar’s ‘Parallel Mothers’.

There is however news that the delegates had trouble with security checks because of COVID protocols in place. It was reported that at one of the checkpoints there was a large queue of people waiting to go through.&nbsp;

Reports also compared the last year’s management of the festival with this year’s.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Venice Film Festival has an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/venice-film-fest-returns-with-another-blockbuster-lineup-409091">ultra-glitzy lineup</a>, including the world premiere of sci-fi blockbuster <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-‘dune’-to-have-world-premiere-at-venice-film-festival-ahead-of-its-release-392130">'Dune'</a> and Kristen Stewart's turn as Princess Diana, cementing its status as a serious rival to Cannes.

After a low-key event last year due to the pandemic, La Mostra is raising the stakes once again in the battle for film fest supremacy with the sort of lineup that has drool running down the chins of red carpet gawkers and pretentious film critics alike.&nbsp;

As the Venice Film Festival returned this year, delegates started to arrive for the first day’s hustle and industry screening -- Pedro Almodóvar’s ‘Parallel Mothers’.

As the Venice Film Festival returned this year, delegates started to arrive for the first day’s hustle and industry screening -- Pedro Almodóvar’s ‘Parallel Mothers’. There is however news that the delegates had trouble with security checks because of COVID protocols in place. It was reported that at one of the checkpoints there was a large queue of people waiting to go through. Reports also compared the last year’s management of the festival with this year’s. Meanwhile, Venice Film Festival has an ultra-glitzy lineup, including the world premiere of sci-fi blockbuster 'Dune' and Kristen Stewart's turn as Princess Diana, cementing its status as a serious rival to Cannes. After a low-key event last year due to the pandemic, La Mostra is raising the stakes once again in the battle for film fest supremacy with the sort of lineup that has drool running down the chins of red carpet gawkers and pretentious film critics alike.

Venice Film Festival: Delegates struggle with COVID checks

Venice Film Festival returns to the spotlight Wednesday with an international roster of blockbuster and auteur movies and Hollywood's jet-set poised to face the cameras.

Held on the glitzy, beach-lined Lido, the world's oldest film festival will seek to recover some of the glamour lost last year, when coronavirus kept away many participants, including the most red carpet-worthy celebrities.&nbsp;

But with strict anti-Covid measures in place, "La Mostra", as it is known in Italy, will again seek to prove that it is the indispensable springboard for the Oscars, with a first-rate sampling of films from around the globe.&nbsp;

The bar is high this year, after the rival Cannes Film Festival stole some focus in July after cancelling its 2020 competition.

But the director of Venice's festival, Alberto Barbera, told AFP the pandemic appeared to have stimulated the creativity of filmmakers, with a particularly high quality of submissions this year.

"It's like the difficult circumstances... served to stimulate the creativity of the directors," said Barbera in an interview Tuesday ahead of the opening, as workers were busy putting the final touches to the red carpet.

"Many of the directors' films are among their best," Barbera said. "This means that probably this edition will be one of the strongest of recent years."

&nbsp;- Stars are back -

A jury led by "Parasite" director Bong Joon-Ho will award one of 21 films in the main competition the coveted Golden Lion top prize during a closing night ceremony on September 11.&nbsp;

"Nomadland", which snatched up multiple Oscars, including best film, at the 2020 Academy Awards, was last year's Venice winner, although neither director Chloe Zhao nor leading actress Frances McDormand were able to make the trip to Italy.

This year, things should be different, Barbera said, with more Hollywood talent heading for the festival, more spectators and more worldwide press.

Among the stars expected to walk the red carpet over the course of the festival are Kristen Stewart - playing Lady Diana in Pablo Larrain's "Spencer" -- Benedict Cumberbatch, Penelope Cruz and Antonio Banderas.&nbsp;

The competition kicks off Wednesday evening with "Madres Paralelas" (Parallel Mothers), the latest film by Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodovar, starring Cruz as one of two women from different generations and backgrounds awaiting childbirth in a maternity ward.

A Golden Lion for career achievement will be awarded to Italy's Oscar-winning actor and director Roberto Benigni ("Life is Beautiful").&nbsp;

On the blockbuster front, and out of the main competition, the $165 million sci-fi "Dune" is set to have its world premiere Friday, while Matt Damon and Ben Affleck return as writers and stars of Ridley Scott's "The Last Duel".&nbsp;

Netflix, which has had prior success at the festival with "Roma" and "Marriage Story", is behind two of this year's hopefuls, "The Power of the Dog" by Jane Campion and Paolo Sorrentino's "The Hand of God.

Venice Film Festival returns to the spotlight Wednesday with an international roster of blockbuster and auteur movies and Hollywood's jet-set poised to face the cameras.

Venice Film Festival returns to the spotlight Wednesday with an international roster of blockbuster and auteur movies and Hollywood's jet-set poised to face the cameras. Held on the glitzy, beach-lined Lido, the world's oldest film festival will seek to recover some of the glamour lost last year, when coronavirus kept away many participants, including the most red carpet-worthy celebrities. But with strict anti-Covid measures in place, "La Mostra", as it is known in Italy, will again seek to prove that it is the indispensable springboard for the Oscars, with a first-rate sampling of films from around the globe. The bar is high this year, after the rival Cannes Film Festival stole some focus in July after cancelling its 2020 competition. But the director of Venice's festival, Alberto Barbera, told AFP the pandemic appeared to have stimulated the creativity of filmmakers, with a particularly high quality of submissions this year. "It's like the difficult circumstances... served to stimulate the creativity of the directors," said Barbera in an interview Tuesday ahead of the opening, as workers were busy putting the final touches to the red carpet. "Many of the directors' films are among their best," Barbera said. "This means that probably this edition will be one of the strongest of recent years." - Stars are back - A jury led by "Parasite" director Bong Joon-Ho will award one of 21 films in the main competition the coveted Golden Lion top prize during a closing night ceremony on September 11. "Nomadland", which snatched up multiple Oscars, including best film, at the 2020 Academy Awards, was last year's Venice winner, although neither director Chloe Zhao nor leading actress Frances McDormand were able to make the trip to Italy. This year, things should be different, Barbera said, with more Hollywood talent heading for the festival, more spectators and more worldwide press. Among the stars expected to walk the red carpet over the course of the festival are Kristen Stewart - playing Lady Diana in Pablo Larrain's "Spencer" -- Benedict Cumberbatch, Penelope Cruz and Antonio Banderas. The competition kicks off Wednesday evening with "Madres Paralelas" (Parallel Mothers), the latest film by Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodovar, starring Cruz as one of two women from different generations and backgrounds awaiting childbirth in a maternity ward. A Golden Lion for career achievement will be awarded to Italy's Oscar-winning actor and director Roberto Benigni ("Life is Beautiful"). On the blockbuster front, and out of the main competition, the $165 million sci-fi "Dune" is set to have its world premiere Friday, while Matt Damon and Ben Affleck return as writers and stars of Ridley Scott's "The Last Duel". Netflix, which has had prior success at the festival with "Roma" and "Marriage Story", is behind two of this year's hopefuls, "The Power of the Dog" by Jane Campion and Paolo Sorrentino's "The Hand of God.

Venice Film Festival reclaiming its star-studded mojo

From 'Spencer' to 'The Power of the Dog': Films chasing top prize at Venice Film Festival

The<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/lifestyle/news-venice-film-festival-the-complete-venice-vr-expanded-section--is-out-401520"> Venice Film Festival</a> returns Wednesday with an ultra-glitzy lineup, including the world premiere of sci-fi blockbuster 'Dune'&nbsp;and <a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/hollywood/news-watch-spencer-teaser-kirsten-stewart-stuns-as-princess-diana-in-new-film-408685">Kristen Stewart</a>'s turn as Princess Diana, cementing its status as a serious rival to Cannes.

After a low-key event last year due to the pandemic, La Mostra is raising the stakes once again in the battle for film fest supremacy with the sort of lineup that has drool running down the chins of red carpet gawkers and pretentious film critics alike.&nbsp;

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/lifestyle/news-venice-film-festival-afghan-film-director-sahraa-karimi-to-talk-about-her-countrys-plight-408951" hreflang="en">Venice Film Festival: Afghan film director Sahraa Karimi to talk about her country's plight</a>

The world's oldest film festival has embraced Hollywood in recent years and its 78th edition, running September 1-11, is no exception.

'Dune'&nbsp;brings hot young things Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya to the Venice festival, while Ridley Scott's 'The Last Duel'&nbsp;marks the bromantic return of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, writing and starring together for the first time since their Oscar-winning breakout 'Good Will Hunting'&nbsp;in the 1990s.&nbsp;

But Venice still has serious arthouse chops, and the competition for the Golden Lion award features some of the era's most revered filmmakers, including Spain's Pedro Almodovar, Italy's Paolo Sorrentino and New Zealand's Jane Campion.&nbsp;

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/hollywood/news-dakota-johnson-starrer-%E2%80%98the-lost-daughter%E2%80%99-acquired-by-netflix-ahead-of-venice-premiere-403508" hreflang="en">Dakota Johnson starrer ‘The Lost Daughter’ acquired by Netflix ahead of Venice premiere</a>

Almodovar opens the festival with the Penelope Cruz-starring 'Parallel Mothers'&nbsp;and true to his provocative style, the poster was immediately banned on Instagram for featuring a lactating nipple.

Even the Princess Di biopic, 'Spencer', promises to be more than the usual fawning royal mush, as it comes from Chilean director Pablo Larrain, whose 2016 film was an intelligent and lauded take on Jackie Kennedy, starring Natalie Portman.

Oscar buzz-maker -

Since taking over in 2012, festival director Alberto Barbera is credited with rejuvenating La Mostra, partly by positioning it as the launchpad for Academy Award hopefuls.&nbsp;

Two of the last four Golden Lion winners, 'The Shape of Water'&nbsp;and 'Nomadland', have gone on to win the best picture Oscar -- something which had never previously happened.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/aditya-vikram-senguptas-once-upon-a-time-in-calcutta-to-premiere-at-venice-film-festival-2021-400793" hreflang="en">Aditya Vikram Sengupta’s 'Once Upon A Time in Calcutta' to premiere at Venice Film Festival 2021</a>

Many other recent critical and box-office hits have debuted in the floating city, including 'La La Land', 'Joker'&nbsp;and 'A Star Is Born'.&nbsp;Part of the success is that publicists love having their stars snapped on gondolas, but it's primarily a question of lucky timing.&nbsp;

"Venice's position on the cusp of summer and fall gives it unmatchable clout as a launchpad" for the Hollywood awards season, explained The Hollywood Reporter.

Venice has also side-stepped the fracas between Netflix and Cannes, over the latter's demand that entries hit the big screen.&nbsp; That has left Venice with first dibs on recent Netflix hits such as 'Roma'&nbsp;and 'Marriage Story', and two of this year's hopefuls: Campion's 'The Power of the Dog'&nbsp;and Sorrentino's 'The Hand of God'.

Movies from 59 countries are being presented this year across its multiple sections, though Cannes director Thierry Fremaux has previously sniffed at his Venice counterpart's "obsession with American movies".

It's true that the main competition has a fairly narrow geographic remit, with nothing from Africa and only one from Asia (the sequel to Filipino action-thriller "On the Job") among the 21 selections.&nbsp;

But Cannes has hardly steered clear of Hollywood. Its blockbuster premiere this year was Fast &amp; Furious 9. For film fans happy to see the schedules flooded with exciting releases, all this industry jostling is background noise.

And for Italians, it could cap an exciting summer that has seen them win the World Cup, put in a surprisingly strong Olympic performance and leave the dark days of the country's brutal Covid-19 outbreak behind them.&nbsp;

The Venice Film Festival returns Wednesday with an ultra-glitzy lineup, including the world premiere of sci-fi blockbuster 'Dune' and Kristen Stewart's turn as Princess Diana, cementing its status as a serious rival to Cannes.

The Venice Film Festival returns Wednesday with an ultra-glitzy lineup, including the world premiere of sci-fi blockbuster 'Dune' and Kristen Stewart's turn as Princess Diana, cementing its status as a serious rival to Cannes. After a low-key event last year due to the pandemic, La Mostra is raising the stakes once again in the battle for film fest supremacy with the sort of lineup that has drool running down the chins of red carpet gawkers and pretentious film critics alike. Venice Film Festival: Afghan film director Sahraa Karimi to talk about her country's plight The world's oldest film festival has embraced Hollywood in recent years and its 78th edition, running September 1-11, is no exception. 'Dune' brings hot young things Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya to the Venice festival, while Ridley Scott's 'The Last Duel' marks the bromantic return of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, writing and starring together for the first time since their Oscar-winning breakout 'Good Will Hunting' in the 1990s. But Venice still has serious arthouse chops, and the competition for the Golden Lion award features some of the era's most revered filmmakers, including Spain's Pedro Almodovar, Italy's Paolo Sorrentino and New Zealand's Jane Campion. Dakota Johnson starrer ‘The Lost Daughter’ acquired by Netflix ahead of Venice premiere Almodovar opens the festival with the Penelope Cruz-starring 'Parallel Mothers' and true to his provocative style, the poster was immediately banned on Instagram for featuring a lactating nipple. Even the Princess Di biopic, 'Spencer', promises to be more than the usual fawning royal mush, as it comes from Chilean director Pablo Larrain, whose 2016 film was an intelligent and lauded take on Jackie Kennedy, starring Natalie Portman. Oscar buzz-maker - Since taking over in 2012, festival director Alberto Barbera is credited with rejuvenating La Mostra, partly by positioning it as the launchpad for Academy Award hopefuls. Two of the last four Golden Lion winners, 'The Shape of Water' and 'Nomadland', have gone on to win the best picture Oscar -- something which had never previously happened. Aditya Vikram Sengupta’s 'Once Upon A Time in Calcutta' to premiere at Venice Film Festival 2021 Many other recent critical and box-office hits have debuted in the floating city, including 'La La Land', 'Joker' and 'A Star Is Born'. Part of the success is that publicists love having their stars snapped on gondolas, but it's primarily a question of lucky timing. "Venice's position on the cusp of summer and fall gives it unmatchable clout as a launchpad" for the Hollywood awards season, explained The Hollywood Reporter. Venice has also side-stepped the fracas between Netflix and Cannes, over the latter's demand that entries hit the big screen. That has left Venice with first dibs on recent Netflix hits such as 'Roma' and 'Marriage Story', and two of this year's hopefuls: Campion's 'The Power of the Dog' and Sorrentino's 'The Hand of God'. Movies from 59 countries are being presented this year across its multiple sections, though Cannes director Thierry Fremaux has previously sniffed at his Venice counterpart's "obsession with American movies". It's true that the main competition has a fairly narrow geographic remit, with nothing from Africa and only one from Asia (the sequel to Filipino action-thriller "On the Job") among the 21 selections. But Cannes has hardly steered clear of Hollywood. Its blockbuster premiere this year was Fast & Furious 9. For film fans happy to see the schedules flooded with exciting releases, all this industry jostling is background noise. And for Italians, it could cap an exciting summer that has seen them win the World Cup, put in a surprisingly strong Olympic performance and leave the dark days of the country's brutal Covid-19 outbreak behind them.

Venice film fest returns with another blockbuster lineup

With a $165-million budget and a cast to rival the star system of Arrakis, hopes are high for 'Dune'&nbsp;as it prepares to land in Venice next Friday for its world premiere.&nbsp;

The cast list is exciting enough, including Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Jason Momoa, Oscar Isaac and Javier Bardem. But what has sci-fi fans really feverish is the man behind the camera: Canadian Denis Villeneuve.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-did-you-know-zendaya-only-spent-4-days-filming-dune-408844" hreflang="en">Did you know Zendaya only spent 4 days filming 'Dune'?</a>

Through hits like 'Sicario'&nbsp;and 'Arrival', Villeneuve has put himself alongside Christopher Nolan as one of the rare directors who can deliver deadly serious cinema that also packs theatres.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-venice-film-festival-afghan-film-director-sahraa-karimi-to-talk-about-her-countrys-plight-408951" hreflang="en">Venice Film Festival: Afghan film director Sahraa Karimi to talk about her country's plight</a>

Crucially, he has also proved a safe pair of hands when handling totems of 20th-century geekdom, after his critically adored 'Blade Runner 2049', a sequel to the sci-fi classic.

&nbsp;A prototype - Set many millennia in the future, "Dune" follows the tribal battles for control of 'spice', a drug that extends life and delivers prophetic powers, on the inhospitable planet of Arrakis, which also happens to be infested with giant worms.

The brainchild of author Frank Herbert, 'Dune'&nbsp;was first published in 1965 and became a six-volume space opera of massive influence, not least on 'Star Wars'.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/daniel-craigs-no-time-to-die-to-be-screened-at-zurich-film-festival-408936" hreflang="en">Daniel Craig's 'No Time to Die' to be screened at Zurich Film Festival</a>

"It is the biggest-selling and most-read science fiction novel ever, but also the most commented upon and the most studied," said Renaud Guillemin, an eminent member of France's community of 'Duniens'.

"It was the prototype for the sort of world-building universe in science fiction books, with their own coherence, references and foundations," said Guillemain, comparing it to what 'Lord of the Rings'&nbsp;did for fantasy.&nbsp;

Some of the images and ideas have also become sci-fi staples, including its giant sandworms (hello 'Tremors'), suits that recycle sweat, or the Bene Gesserit, an order of female martial arts experts with thought-control powers.&nbsp;

Fans also praise its visionary edge, anticipating debates over global warming and the impact of technology.&nbsp;'Cursed' -Despite its ready-made audience and clear cinematic potential, previous transfers to film have been famously difficult.&nbsp;

"It is cursed by its excellence," said Lloyd Chery, author of a French reference book about Dune.&nbsp;

Cult Franco-Chilean filmmaker Alejandro Jodorowsky was the first to try his hand, spending no less than four years in the 1970s on the project, with Salvador Dali, Alain Delon and Orson Welles lined up, along with Pink Floyd for the music.&nbsp;

In the end, the money could not match the ambition and it became part of tragic movie lore, recounted in the 2013 documentary 'Jodorowsky's Dune'.

In the 1980s, in the wake of 'Star Wars', studios grew more interested. Fresh from 'Alien', Ridley Scott was tapped to direct, before it was passed to David Lynch.&nbsp;

Seven versions of the script and six punishing months of filming in Mexico led to many monumental sets being built and thousands of costumes.&nbsp; But Lynch's mad vision was fatally undermined by the Hollywood machine, and the movie bombed on release in 1984.

- A trilogy? -

There have been popular TV adaptations since, including "Children of Dune" starring James McAvoy, but never on the grand scale that the novels seemed to demand.&nbsp;

Cue Villeneuve, and his all-star cast.

Far from the 'nightmare'&nbsp;experienced by Lynch, he appears over the moon with his film, and is already thinking about two possible sequels, according to an interview he gave CBC Radio Canada.&nbsp;

But that will depend on the commercial success of the first instalment.&nbsp;Villeneuve has already clashed with Warner Bros over its decision to release the film on streaming platforms alongside the theatre release.&nbsp;

"There is absolutely no love for cinema, nor for the audience here. It is all about the survival of a telecom mammoth," Villeneuve said in a statement about the decision last December.&nbsp;

While that clash plays out in Hollywood boardrooms, all eyes will turn to the battles on Arrakis when 'Dune'&nbsp;premiers on September 3.&nbsp;

With a $165-million budget and a cast to rival the star system of Arrakis, hopes are high for 'Dune' as it prepares to land in Venice next Friday for its world premiere.

With a $165-million budget and a cast to rival the star system of Arrakis, hopes are high for 'Dune' as it prepares to land in Venice next Friday for its world premiere. The cast list is exciting enough, including Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Jason Momoa, Oscar Isaac and Javier Bardem. But what has sci-fi fans really feverish is the man behind the camera: Canadian Denis Villeneuve. Did you know Zendaya only spent 4 days filming 'Dune'? Through hits like 'Sicario' and 'Arrival', Villeneuve has put himself alongside Christopher Nolan as one of the rare directors who can deliver deadly serious cinema that also packs theatres. Venice Film Festival: Afghan film director Sahraa Karimi to talk about her country's plight Crucially, he has also proved a safe pair of hands when handling totems of 20th-century geekdom, after his critically adored 'Blade Runner 2049', a sequel to the sci-fi classic. A prototype - Set many millennia in the future, "Dune" follows the tribal battles for control of 'spice', a drug that extends life and delivers prophetic powers, on the inhospitable planet of Arrakis, which also happens to be infested with giant worms. The brainchild of author Frank Herbert, 'Dune' was first published in 1965 and became a six-volume space opera of massive influence, not least on 'Star Wars'. Daniel Craig's 'No Time to Die' to be screened at Zurich Film Festival "It is the biggest-selling and most-read science fiction novel ever, but also the most commented upon and the most studied," said Renaud Guillemin, an eminent member of France's community of 'Duniens'. "It was the prototype for the sort of world-building universe in science fiction books, with their own coherence, references and foundations," said Guillemain, comparing it to what 'Lord of the Rings' did for fantasy. Some of the images and ideas have also become sci-fi staples, including its giant sandworms (hello 'Tremors'), suits that recycle sweat, or the Bene Gesserit, an order of female martial arts experts with thought-control powers. Fans also praise its visionary edge, anticipating debates over global warming and the impact of technology. 'Cursed' -Despite its ready-made audience and clear cinematic potential, previous transfers to film have been famously difficult. "It is cursed by its excellence," said Lloyd Chery, author of a French reference book about Dune. Cult Franco-Chilean filmmaker Alejandro Jodorowsky was the first to try his hand, spending no less than four years in the 1970s on the project, with Salvador Dali, Alain Delon and Orson Welles lined up, along with Pink Floyd for the music. In the end, the money could not match the ambition and it became part of tragic movie lore, recounted in the 2013 documentary 'Jodorowsky's Dune'. In the 1980s, in the wake of 'Star Wars', studios grew more interested. Fresh from 'Alien', Ridley Scott was tapped to direct, before it was passed to David Lynch. Seven versions of the script and six punishing months of filming in Mexico led to many monumental sets being built and thousands of costumes. But Lynch's mad vision was fatally undermined by the Hollywood machine, and the movie bombed on release in 1984. - A trilogy? - There have been popular TV adaptations since, including "Children of Dune" starring James McAvoy, but never on the grand scale that the novels seemed to demand. Cue Villeneuve, and his all-star cast. Far from the 'nightmare' experienced by Lynch, he appears over the moon with his film, and is already thinking about two possible sequels, according to an interview he gave CBC Radio Canada. But that will depend on the commercial success of the first instalment. Villeneuve has already clashed with Warner Bros over its decision to release the film on streaming platforms alongside the theatre release. "There is absolutely no love for cinema, nor for the audience here. It is all about the survival of a telecom mammoth," Villeneuve said in a statement about the decision last December. While that clash plays out in Hollywood boardrooms, all eyes will turn to the battles on Arrakis when 'Dune' premiers on September 3.

Will the curse of 'Dune' be lifted in Venice?

The 78th Venice International Film Festival has unveiled the lineup for the 2021 Venice VR Expanded section, the virtual reality sidebar that runs alongside the prestigious cinema event.

 
Venice Film Festival—which will commence on September 1 and go on till September 11— has unveiled the lineup for its VR Expanded section. This competition is a sidebar event to Venice Film Festival 2021 and will run subsequently with the main film extravaganza.

 
As per reports, a total of 37 projects from 21 countries will screen during this year’s VR Expanded event, including 23 others running in the competition category.

 
Other than the competition, Venice Film Festival will hold a special screening of In the Mist, Thai director Chou Tung-Yen’s VR rendition of the experience of visiting a gay male sauna.

 
From ‘Samsara’, which won the Best VR Story prize at the Cannes Film festival’s earlier this month, to South African visual artist of Indian origin Meghna Singh’s ‘Container’, here’s the complete list:&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Angels in Amsterdam, dirs: Anna Abrahams, Avinash Changa</li>
	<li>End of Night, dir: David Adler</li>
	<li>The Starry Sand Beach, dirs: Nina Barbier, Hsin-Chien Huang</li>
	<li>Caves, dir: Isabel Garcia Carlos</li>
	<li>Bedlam, dir: Mat Collishaw</li>
	<li>Genesis, dir: Joerg Courtial</li>
	<li>Spirit of Place, dir: Dale Deacon</li>
	<li>Tearless, dir: Kim Gina</li>
	<li>Samsara Complete Part 1 and 2 Version, dir: Hsin-Chien Huang</li>
	<li>Clap, dir: Keisuke Itoh</li>
	<li>Le Bal de Paris de Blanca Li, dir: Blanca Li</li>
	<li>Bliss in the Ear of a Storm, dirs: Adam Lieber, Hal Sorta</li>
	<li>Il Dubbio — Episode 2, dirs: Matteo Lonaradi, Javier Lajara, Javier Martinez</li>
	<li>Anandala, dir: Kevin Mack</li>
	<li>Goliath: Playing with Reality, dirs: Barry Gene Murphy, May Abdalla</li>
	<li>Montegelato, dir: Davide Rapp</li>
	<li>The Severance Theory: Welcome to Respite, dir: Lyndsie Scoggin</li>
	<li>Container, dir: Meghna Singh</li>
	<li>The Sick Rose, dirs: Tang Zhi-Zhong, Huang Yun-Hsien</li>
	<li>Myriad. Where We Connect, dirs: Lena Thiele, Sebastian Baurmann, Dirk Hoffmann</li>
	<li>The Last Worker, dir: Jörg Tittel</li>
	<li>Exploring Home, dir: Sara Lisa Vogl</li>
	<li>The Final Wish, dirs: Wang Haipel, Wang Shanshan</li>
	<li>Special Event – Out of Competition</li>
	<li>In The Mist, dir: Chou Tung-Yen 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

The 78th Venice International Film Festival has unveiled the lineup for the 2021 Venice VR Expanded section, the virtual reality sidebar that runs alongside the prestigious cinema event.

The 78th Venice International Film Festival has unveiled the lineup for the 2021 Venice VR Expanded section, the virtual reality sidebar that runs alongside the prestigious cinema event. Venice Film Festival—which will commence on September 1 and go on till September 11— has unveiled the lineup for its VR Expanded section. This competition is a sidebar event to Venice Film Festival 2021 and will run subsequently with the main film extravaganza. As per reports, a total of 37 projects from 21 countries will screen during this year’s VR Expanded event, including 23 others running in the competition category. Other than the competition, Venice Film Festival will hold a special screening of In the Mist, Thai director Chou Tung-Yen’s VR rendition of the experience of visiting a gay male sauna. From ‘Samsara’, which won the Best VR Story prize at the Cannes Film festival’s earlier this month, to South African visual artist of Indian origin Meghna Singh’s ‘Container’, here’s the complete list: Angels in Amsterdam, dirs: Anna Abrahams, Avinash Changa End of Night, dir: David Adler The Starry Sand Beach, dirs: Nina Barbier, Hsin-Chien Huang Caves, dir: Isabel Garcia Carlos Bedlam, dir: Mat Collishaw Genesis, dir: Joerg Courtial Spirit of Place, dir: Dale Deacon Tearless, dir: Kim Gina Samsara Complete Part 1 and 2 Version, dir: Hsin-Chien Huang Clap, dir: Keisuke Itoh Le Bal de Paris de Blanca Li, dir: Blanca Li Bliss in the Ear of a Storm, dirs: Adam Lieber, Hal Sorta Il Dubbio — Episode 2, dirs: Matteo Lonaradi, Javier Lajara, Javier Martinez Anandala, dir: Kevin Mack Goliath: Playing with Reality, dirs: Barry Gene Murphy, May Abdalla Montegelato, dir: Davide Rapp The Severance Theory: Welcome to Respite, dir: Lyndsie Scoggin Container, dir: Meghna Singh The Sick Rose, dirs: Tang Zhi-Zhong, Huang Yun-Hsien Myriad. Where We Connect, dirs: Lena Thiele, Sebastian Baurmann, Dirk Hoffmann The Last Worker, dir: Jörg Tittel Exploring Home, dir: Sara Lisa Vogl The Final Wish, dirs: Wang Haipel, Wang Shanshan Special Event – Out of Competition In The Mist, dir: Chou Tung-Yen

Venice Film Festival: The complete Venice VR Expanded section  is out!

Jane Campion`s 'The Power of the Dog', Pedro Almodovar`s 'Parallel Mothers' and Kristen Stewart`s turn as Princess Diana in 'Spencer' are among the titles vying for the top prize at this year`s Venice film festival, which runs September 1-11. 
 
The world`s oldest film festival, regarded as a showcase for Oscar contenders as awards season approaches, hopes to welcome back Hollywood celebrities this year after a scaled-down 2020 edition. 
 
New Zealand filmmaker Campion, known for 'The Piano', will present her drama starring Benedict Cumberbatch as a sadistic ranch owner who launches a campaign against a young widow, interpreted by Kirsten Dunst, in 1920s Montana. 
 
A Netflix production, 'The Power of The Dog' had been invited to screen out of competition at the Cannes festival but opted instead for Venice, which unlike its French rival does not demand a theatrical release for films vying for the top prize. 
 
Spain`s Almodovar reunites with one his favourite actresses, Penelope Cruz, in 'Parallel Mother', while 'Spencer', by Chilean director Pablo Larrain, film centres on a weekend in the early 1990s when Diana decided to separate from Prince Charles. 
 
They are among 21 films in the main competition, which include Maggie Gyllenhaal`s directorial debut 'The Lost Daughte', based on an Elena Ferrante novel, and the 'The Hand of God' by Paolo Sorrentino - one of five Italian titles seeking to scoop up the Golden Lion top award. 
 
Ridley Scott`s medieval epic 'The Last Duel', starring Matt Damon, Adam Driver and Ben Affleck, and Denis Villeneuve`s hotly anticipated science-fiction tale 'Dune', with Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, will both premiere in Venice out-of-competition. 
 
Festival director Alberto Barbera hailed the return to the Lido waterfront of "of U.S. studios and of A-list stars who last year were a little wanting". 
 
He told a virtual news conference the quality of films this year was higher than usual, and the line-up featured several films lasting three hours or more, some disturbingly violent scenes and many stories with strong women characters. 
 
"It`s as if the pandemic helped stimulate creativity all around," he said. 
 
With contagion rates on the rise again, anti-COVID restrictions imposed last year will remain in place, including the capacity of festival theatres which has been halved to 4,000 viewers.

Jane Campion`s 'The Power of the Dog', Pedro Almodovar`s 'Parallel Mothers' and Kristen Stewart`s turn as Princess Diana in 'Spencer' are among the titles vying for the top prize at this year`s Venice film festival, which runs September 1-11.

Jane Campion`s 'The Power of the Dog', Pedro Almodovar`s 'Parallel Mothers' and Kristen Stewart`s turn as Princess Diana in 'Spencer' are among the titles vying for the top prize at this year`s Venice film festival, which runs September 1-11. The world`s oldest film festival, regarded as a showcase for Oscar contenders as awards season approaches, hopes to welcome back Hollywood celebrities this year after a scaled-down 2020 edition. New Zealand filmmaker Campion, known for 'The Piano', will present her drama starring Benedict Cumberbatch as a sadistic ranch owner who launches a campaign against a young widow, interpreted by Kirsten Dunst, in 1920s Montana. A Netflix production, 'The Power of The Dog' had been invited to screen out of competition at the Cannes festival but opted instead for Venice, which unlike its French rival does not demand a theatrical release for films vying for the top prize. Spain`s Almodovar reunites with one his favourite actresses, Penelope Cruz, in 'Parallel Mother', while 'Spencer', by Chilean director Pablo Larrain, film centres on a weekend in the early 1990s when Diana decided to separate from Prince Charles. They are among 21 films in the main competition, which include Maggie Gyllenhaal`s directorial debut 'The Lost Daughte', based on an Elena Ferrante novel, and the 'The Hand of God' by Paolo Sorrentino - one of five Italian titles seeking to scoop up the Golden Lion top award. Ridley Scott`s medieval epic 'The Last Duel', starring Matt Damon, Adam Driver and Ben Affleck, and Denis Villeneuve`s hotly anticipated science-fiction tale 'Dune', with Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, will both premiere in Venice out-of-competition. Festival director Alberto Barbera hailed the return to the Lido waterfront of "of U.S. studios and of A-list stars who last year were a little wanting". He told a virtual news conference the quality of films this year was higher than usual, and the line-up featured several films lasting three hours or more, some disturbingly violent scenes and many stories with strong women characters. "It`s as if the pandemic helped stimulate creativity all around," he said. With contagion rates on the rise again, anti-COVID restrictions imposed last year will remain in place, including the capacity of festival theatres which has been halved to 4,000 viewers.

Jane Campion, Kristen Stewart's turn as Diana headline Venice film festival

Jane Campion's 'The Power of the Dog', Pedro Almodovar's 'Parallel Mothers'&nbsp;and Kristen Stewart's turn as Princess Diana in 'Spencer'&nbsp;are among the titles vying for the top prize this year's Venice film festival, which runs Sept. 1-11. 
 
The world's oldest film festival, regarded as a showcase for Oscar contenders as awards season approaches, hopes to welcome back Hollywood celebrities this year after a scaled-down 2020 edition. 
 
New Zealand filmmaker Campion, known for 'The Piano', will present her drama starring Benedict Cumberbatch as a sadistic ranch owner who launches a campaign against a young widow, interpreted by Kirsten Dunst, in 1920s Montana. 
 
A Netflix production, 'The Power of The Dog'&nbsp;had been invited to screen out of competition at the Cannes festival but opted instead for Venice, which unlike its French rival does not demand a theatrical release for films vying for the top prize. 
 
Spain's Almodovar reunites with one of his favourite actresses, Penelope Cruz, in 'Parallel Mothers', while 'Spencer', by Chilean director Pablo Larrain, film centres on a weekend in the early 1990s when Diana decided to separate from Prince Charles. 
 
They are among 21 films in the main competition, which include Maggie Gyllenhaal`s directorial debut 'The Lost Daughter', based on an Elena Ferrante novel, and the 'The Hand of God'&nbsp;by Paolo Sorrentino - one of five Italian titles seeking to scoop up the Golden Lion top award. 
 
Ridley Scott's medieval epic 'The Last Duel', starring Matt Damon, Adam Driver and Ben Affleck, and Denis Villeneuve's hotly-anticipated science-fiction tale 'Dune', with Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, will both premiere in Venice out-of-competition. 
 
Festival director Alberto Barbera hailed the return to the Lido waterfront of "of U.S. studios and of A-list stars who last year were a little wanting". He told a virtual news conference the quality of films this year was higher than usual, and the line-up featured several films lasting three hours or more, some disturbingly violent scenes and many stories with strong women characters. 
 
"It`s as if the pandemic helped stimulate creativity all around," he said. With contagion rates on the rise again, anti-COVID restrictions imposed last year will remain in place, including the capacity of festival theatres which has been halved to 4,000 viewers.

Jane Campion's 'The Power of the Dog', Pedro Almodovar's 'Parallel Mothers' and Kristen Stewart's turn as Princess Diana in 'Spencer' are among the titles vying for the top prize this year's Venice film festival, which runs Sept.

Jane Campion's 'The Power of the Dog', Pedro Almodovar's 'Parallel Mothers' and Kristen Stewart's turn as Princess Diana in 'Spencer' are among the titles vying for the top prize this year's Venice film festival, which runs Sept. 1-11. The world's oldest film festival, regarded as a showcase for Oscar contenders as awards season approaches, hopes to welcome back Hollywood celebrities this year after a scaled-down 2020 edition. New Zealand filmmaker Campion, known for 'The Piano', will present her drama starring Benedict Cumberbatch as a sadistic ranch owner who launches a campaign against a young widow, interpreted by Kirsten Dunst, in 1920s Montana. A Netflix production, 'The Power of The Dog' had been invited to screen out of competition at the Cannes festival but opted instead for Venice, which unlike its French rival does not demand a theatrical release for films vying for the top prize. Spain's Almodovar reunites with one of his favourite actresses, Penelope Cruz, in 'Parallel Mothers', while 'Spencer', by Chilean director Pablo Larrain, film centres on a weekend in the early 1990s when Diana decided to separate from Prince Charles. They are among 21 films in the main competition, which include Maggie Gyllenhaal`s directorial debut 'The Lost Daughter', based on an Elena Ferrante novel, and the 'The Hand of God' by Paolo Sorrentino - one of five Italian titles seeking to scoop up the Golden Lion top award. Ridley Scott's medieval epic 'The Last Duel', starring Matt Damon, Adam Driver and Ben Affleck, and Denis Villeneuve's hotly-anticipated science-fiction tale 'Dune', with Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, will both premiere in Venice out-of-competition. Festival director Alberto Barbera hailed the return to the Lido waterfront of "of U.S. studios and of A-list stars who last year were a little wanting". He told a virtual news conference the quality of films this year was higher than usual, and the line-up featured several films lasting three hours or more, some disturbingly violent scenes and many stories with strong women characters. "It`s as if the pandemic helped stimulate creativity all around," he said. With contagion rates on the rise again, anti-COVID restrictions imposed last year will remain in place, including the capacity of festival theatres which has been halved to 4,000 viewers.

Jane Campion's 'The Power of the Dog', Kristen Stewart's turn as Diana headline Venice film fest

Pedro Almodovar's 'Madres Paralelas'&nbsp;(Parallel Mothers), starring the Spanish filmmaker's muses Penelope Cruz and Rossy De Palma, will open the 78th Venice Film Festival in September, organisers said Monday.

The film -- which follows two single women in different stages of life preparing to give birth in a maternity ward -- will compete for the prestigious competition's top prize, the Golden Lion.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-american-horror-story-shuts-down-season-10-production-due-to-covid-19-exposure-399603" hreflang="en">'American Horror Story' shuts down season 10 production due to COVID-19 exposure</a>

"I was really born as a director in Venice in 1983... 38 years later, I am called to open the festival," said the Oscar-winning Almodovar in a statement.

"I am truly grateful to the festival for this recognition and hope to live up to it," he added.&nbsp;

The director of the festival, Alberto Barbera, called Almodovar's film an "intense and sensitive portrait of two women facing pregnancy with unpredictable implications, of female solidarity, of a sexuality lived in full freedom and without hypocrisy".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/chloe-zhao-joins-fellow-oscar-winner-bong-joon-ho-on-venice-festival-jury-399601" hreflang="en">Chloe Zhao joins fellow Oscar winner Bong Joon-ho on Venice festival jury</a>

The 71-year-old filmmaker was awarded a Golden Lion for lifetime achievement by the festival in 2019. He debuted at Venice in 1983 with his black comedy, 'Entre Tinieblas'&nbsp;(Dark Habits).

The festival will be held this year from September 1 - 11.

Pedro Almodovar's 'Madres Paralelas' (Parallel Mothers), starring the Spanish filmmaker's muses Penelope Cruz and Rossy De Palma, will open the 78th Venice Film Festival in September, organisers said Monday.

Pedro Almodovar's 'Madres Paralelas' (Parallel Mothers), starring the Spanish filmmaker's muses Penelope Cruz and Rossy De Palma, will open the 78th Venice Film Festival in September, organisers said Monday. The film -- which follows two single women in different stages of life preparing to give birth in a maternity ward -- will compete for the prestigious competition's top prize, the Golden Lion. 'American Horror Story' shuts down season 10 production due to COVID-19 exposure "I was really born as a director in Venice in 1983... 38 years later, I am called to open the festival," said the Oscar-winning Almodovar in a statement. "I am truly grateful to the festival for this recognition and hope to live up to it," he added. The director of the festival, Alberto Barbera, called Almodovar's film an "intense and sensitive portrait of two women facing pregnancy with unpredictable implications, of female solidarity, of a sexuality lived in full freedom and without hypocrisy". Chloe Zhao joins fellow Oscar winner Bong Joon-ho on Venice festival jury The 71-year-old filmmaker was awarded a Golden Lion for lifetime achievement by the festival in 2019. He debuted at Venice in 1983 with his black comedy, 'Entre Tinieblas' (Dark Habits). The festival will be held this year from September 1 - 11.

Latest Pedro Almodovar movie to kick off Venice Film Festival

The Critics’ Weak at Venice Film Festival—which will commence on September 1 and go on till September 11—will have a Cambodian sci-fi, Karmalink’, as its opening film. This competition is a sidebar event to Venice Film Festival 2021 and will run subsequently with the main film extravaganza.&nbsp;

 
Directed by debutant Jake Wachtel, ‘Karmalink’ is set in near-future Phnom Penh and revolves around reincarnation, artificial consciousness, displacement of poor communities and augmented reality, among other themes.&nbsp;

 
The story chronicles the life of a teenage boy who teams up with a girl from around town to unlock the mysteries of his past life.&nbsp;

 
Karmalink is produced by Valerie Steinberg, and the screenplay was penned by Jake Wachtel and Christopher Seán Larsen. The co-producers for this film are Cambodian director-producer Sok Visal of 802 Films, as well as Christopher Rompré of LittleBIG Films.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Critics’ Weak at Venice Film Festival—which will commence on September 1 and go on till September 11—will have a Cambodian sci-fi, Karmalink’, as its opening film.

The Critics’ Weak at Venice Film Festival—which will commence on September 1 and go on till September 11—will have a Cambodian sci-fi, Karmalink’, as its opening film. This competition is a sidebar event to Venice Film Festival 2021 and will run subsequently with the main film extravaganza. Directed by debutant Jake Wachtel, ‘Karmalink’ is set in near-future Phnom Penh and revolves around reincarnation, artificial consciousness, displacement of poor communities and augmented reality, among other themes. The story chronicles the life of a teenage boy who teams up with a girl from around town to unlock the mysteries of his past life. Karmalink is produced by Valerie Steinberg, and the screenplay was penned by Jake Wachtel and Christopher Seán Larsen. The co-producers for this film are Cambodian director-producer Sok Visal of 802 Films, as well as Christopher Rompré of LittleBIG Films.

Venice Film Festival: Critics' Week to start with Cambodian sci-fi film ‘Karmalink’

The Cambodian sci-fi movie 'Karmalink' will open Venice Film Festival Critics’ Week. The movie marks the debut of director Jake Wachtel.&nbsp; 
The sidebar competition will&nbsp;run from Sept. 1-11 parallel to the 2021 Venice International Film Festival. 
 
As per the THR, the movie is set in a near-future Phnom Penh — deals with reincarnation, artificial consciousness, displacement of poor communities and augmented reality.&nbsp; 
 
The story follows a teenage boy who teams up with a street-smart girl from his neighbourhood to untangle the mystery of his past-life dreams. What begins as a hunt for a Buddhist treasure soon leads to greater discoveries that will either end in digital enlightenment or a total loss of identity. 
 
The director began working on the film in 2015, while he was teaching filmmaking to youths in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. As the lead, he cast two students from his youngest class, Srey Leak Chitth and Leng Heng Prak.&nbsp; 
 
The movie is produced by Valerie Steinberg for Valerie Steinberg Productions. The screenplay was penned by Jake Wachtel and Christopher Seán Larsen.

The Cambodian sci-fi movie 'Karmalink' will open Venice Film Festival Critics’ Week. The movie marks the debut of director Jake Wachtel. The sidebar competition will run from Sept.

The Cambodian sci-fi movie 'Karmalink' will open Venice Film Festival Critics’ Week. The movie marks the debut of director Jake Wachtel. The sidebar competition will run from Sept. 1-11 parallel to the 2021 Venice International Film Festival. As per the THR, the movie is set in a near-future Phnom Penh — deals with reincarnation, artificial consciousness, displacement of poor communities and augmented reality. The story follows a teenage boy who teams up with a street-smart girl from his neighbourhood to untangle the mystery of his past-life dreams. What begins as a hunt for a Buddhist treasure soon leads to greater discoveries that will either end in digital enlightenment or a total loss of identity. The director began working on the film in 2015, while he was teaching filmmaking to youths in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. As the lead, he cast two students from his youngest class, Srey Leak Chitth and Leng Heng Prak. The movie is produced by Valerie Steinberg for Valerie Steinberg Productions. The screenplay was penned by Jake Wachtel and Christopher Seán Larsen.

Venice Film Festival: Cambodian sci-fi ‘Karmalink’ to open critics’ week

Kristen Stewart starrer ‘Spencer’ is all set to make its premiere in a competition at the Venice Film Festival.&nbsp;

The film will depict the tumultuous life of Princess Diana. It is directed by Pablo Larrain.&nbsp;

Kirsten will be seen in the role of late Diana. Her various stills from the film’s set have made it on the internet and fans can’t seem to get enough of the Twilight actress.&nbsp;

'Spencer'&nbsp;will follow an event that took place in the life of one of the most controversial British Royal Princess Diana and her husband Prince Charles. Set in the early 90s, the movie will depict the weekend Princess Diana decided to confront Prince Charles about his affairs and end the marriage, therefore, veering off the path of becoming the queen one day. The movie will show the time Princess was spending the Christmas holiday with the Royal family in Sandringham estate in Norfolk when she took the critical decision.&nbsp;

Kristen Stewart starrer ‘Spencer’ is all set to make its premiere in a competition at the Venice Film Festival. The film will depict the tumultuous life of Princess Diana.

Kristen Stewart starrer ‘Spencer’ is all set to make its premiere in a competition at the Venice Film Festival. The film will depict the tumultuous life of Princess Diana. It is directed by Pablo Larrain. Kirsten will be seen in the role of late Diana. Her various stills from the film’s set have made it on the internet and fans can’t seem to get enough of the Twilight actress. 'Spencer' will follow an event that took place in the life of one of the most controversial British Royal Princess Diana and her husband Prince Charles. Set in the early 90s, the movie will depict the weekend Princess Diana decided to confront Prince Charles about his affairs and end the marriage, therefore, veering off the path of becoming the queen one day. The movie will show the time Princess was spending the Christmas holiday with the Royal family in Sandringham estate in Norfolk when she took the critical decision.

Kirsten Stewart starrer 'Spencer' to premiere at Venice Film Festival

Italian actor and director Roberto Benigni, who won an Oscar for 'Life is Beautiful', will be honoured with a career award at this year's Venice Film Festival, organisers said Thursday.&nbsp;

Known for his irreverent, clownish antics, but also for his public readings of Dante's "Divine Comedy", the 68-year-old Tuscan is one of Italy's most popular film stars.&nbsp;He has directed nine movies and acted in dozens more.&nbsp;

"My heart is full of joy and gratitude. It is an immense Honor to receive such an important recognition of my work," Benigni said in a statement released by the Venice festival.&nbsp;

Festival director Alberto Barbera paid tribute to Benigni's "exuberance and impetuosity, his generous way with the public, and the passionate joyfulness that is perhaps the most original hallmark of his opus".

As well as starring in and directing "Life is Beautiful", a Holocaust tragi-comedy that won Oscars for best actor, best musical score and best foreign language film in 1999, Benigni worked with several cinema big-hitters.

These include directors Federico Fellini, Woody Allen, Blake Edwards, and Bernardo Bertolucci. His wife, the actress Nicoletta Braschi, has been the female lead in all his movies since 1987.

The Venice Film Festival is one of the most prestigious in the world, rivalling Cannes and Berlin, and the oldest. Its 78th edition is scheduled for September 1-11, 2021.

Italian actor and director Roberto Benigni, who won an Oscar for 'Life is Beautiful', will be honoured with a career award at this year's Venice Film Festival, organisers said Thursday.

Italian actor and director Roberto Benigni, who won an Oscar for 'Life is Beautiful', will be honoured with a career award at this year's Venice Film Festival, organisers said Thursday. Known for his irreverent, clownish antics, but also for his public readings of Dante's "Divine Comedy", the 68-year-old Tuscan is one of Italy's most popular film stars. He has directed nine movies and acted in dozens more. "My heart is full of joy and gratitude. It is an immense Honor to receive such an important recognition of my work," Benigni said in a statement released by the Venice festival. Festival director Alberto Barbera paid tribute to Benigni's "exuberance and impetuosity, his generous way with the public, and the passionate joyfulness that is perhaps the most original hallmark of his opus". As well as starring in and directing "Life is Beautiful", a Holocaust tragi-comedy that won Oscars for best actor, best musical score and best foreign language film in 1999, Benigni worked with several cinema big-hitters. These include directors Federico Fellini, Woody Allen, Blake Edwards, and Bernardo Bertolucci. His wife, the actress Nicoletta Braschi, has been the female lead in all his movies since 1987. The Venice Film Festival is one of the most prestigious in the world, rivalling Cannes and Berlin, and the oldest. Its 78th edition is scheduled for September 1-11, 2021.

'Life is Beautiful' director Roberto Benigni to receive Venice cinema career award

South Korean director Bong Joon-ho, whose 'Parasite'&nbsp;movie won the Academy Award for Best Picture last year, was named Friday as jury president of the 2021 Venice Film Festival.

"I'm ready to admire and applaud all the great films selected by the festival. I'm filled with genuine hope and excitement," Bong said in a statement issued by festival organisers.&nbsp;

Festival director Alberto Barbera said Bong would be the first South Korean jury president, and saluted him as "one of the most authentic and original voices in worldwide cinema."

'Parasite,'&nbsp;a dark comedy about the gap between rich and poor, made history as the first non-English-language movie to win an Oscar for Best Picture.&nbsp;

It also picked up three other statuettes at the Academy Awards for Best Director, Best International Feature and Best Original Screenplay.

The Venice Film Festival is one of the most prestigious in the world, rivalling with Cannes and Berlin, and the oldest. Its 78th edition is scheduled for September 1-11, 2021.

South Korean director Bong Joon-ho, whose 'Parasite' movie won the Academy Award for Best Picture last year, was named Friday as jury president of the 2021 Venice Film Festival.

South Korean director Bong Joon-ho, whose 'Parasite' movie won the Academy Award for Best Picture last year, was named Friday as jury president of the 2021 Venice Film Festival. "I'm ready to admire and applaud all the great films selected by the festival. I'm filled with genuine hope and excitement," Bong said in a statement issued by festival organisers. Festival director Alberto Barbera said Bong would be the first South Korean jury president, and saluted him as "one of the most authentic and original voices in worldwide cinema." 'Parasite,' a dark comedy about the gap between rich and poor, made history as the first non-English-language movie to win an Oscar for Best Picture. It also picked up three other statuettes at the Academy Awards for Best Director, Best International Feature and Best Original Screenplay. The Venice Film Festival is one of the most prestigious in the world, rivalling with Cannes and Berlin, and the oldest. Its 78th edition is scheduled for September 1-11, 2021.

'Parasite' director Bong Joon Ho to head Venice film festival jury

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