Venice Film Festival – an emotional roller-coaster? – Nellie N
The 81st Venice film festival has made a glamourous return following the sombre festival of the previous year due to industry strikes! This year held a fabulous array of famous names including Lady Gaga, Angelina Jolie, Nicole Kidman, George Clooney, Tim Burton and even musician Olivia Rodrigo supporting her boyfriend British actor Louis Partridge. So what actually happened? I’m here to fill you in on all the moments you might have missed:
The outfits
Russell in vintage Chanel
Ryder and Ortega in gothic style
Who doesn’t love it when actors pay homage to their beloved characters on the red carpet? There were many jaw-dropping outfits broadcasted but there were 3 actresses that outdid it for me. Here we have Taylor Russell, Winona Ryder and Jenna Ortega perfectly dressed for their premiere debut of ‘Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice’. Ortega sporting a Dior piece inspired by Lydia Deetz’ wedding dress in the original film whilst Russell and Ryder styling vintage Chanel in gothic fashion as a love letter to the 1988 production of the original movie.
The internet boyfriends
The outfits were not the only eye-catching features at the spectacular event. Louis Partridge entered the festival with popstar Olivia Rodrigo by his side to celebrate his new tv show ‘Disclaimer’. Amongst him was a string of social media favourites, including ‘Outer banks’ star Drew Starkey who portrays Daniel Craig’s love interest in ‘Queer’. Harris Dickinson partnering Nicole Kidman in ‘Babygirl’ and NicholasHoult who is Jude Law’s opponent in the true- crime ‘The thriller’ were also in the mix.
Louis and Olivia stealing hearts yet again
Drew Starkey being (my) highlight of the event
The heartfelt moments
The standing ovations were truly sensational to say the least, Angelina Jolie shedding tears throughout the 8 minute standing ovation for her remarkable role as Maria Callas in ‘Maria’. This was a shocking contrast to the 4 minute applause received by George Clooney and Brad Pitt’s ‘Wolfs’ due to a delay in the premiere because of significant fan frenzy beforehand. Not unsurprising. A 12 minute applause for ‘The Brutalist’ and a 17 minute applause for ‘The Room Next Door’ represented a fantastic success for both films.
Brad Pitt and George Clooney’s ‘Wolfs’
Despite the numerous victories, there was a gut wrenching ending to the festival as Nicole Kidman received the Volvi Cup for best actress in her outstanding performance in ‘Babygirl’ with her director accepting the award in her behalf due to the loss of Kidman’s mother that morning. The award was dedicated in her memory.
Standing with Gaza
Upon winning the Luigi de Laurentiis prize for best first film for ‘Familiar Touch’, director Sarah Friedland said: “As a Jewish American artist working in a time-based medium, I must note, I’m accepting this award on the 336th day of Israel’s genocide in Gaza and 76th year of occupation. I believe it is our responsibility as filmmakers to use the institutional platforms through which we work to redress Israel’s impunity on the global stage. I stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine and their struggle for liberation.” Shortly followed by her lead actor, Kathleen Chalfant, who won the Orizzonti best actress prize, exclaiming that she hoped people in the region would soon be able to “live in peace, freedom and justice”. There was overwhelming support and strong vocality about the urge to diminish the conflict throughout the festival days.
A huge congratulations to all the winners!! I am astounded by the emotional turbulence provided by a festival filled with such triumphs and humanity, I hope to one day get the privilege of attending.
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