The illustrious Venice Film Festival is set to conclude on Saturday, bringing with it the much-awaited announcement of the Golden Lion prize winner from a rich and diverse array of top-tier international films.
Among the potent competitors is “The Brutalist,” directed by US filmmaker Brady Corbet, which tells the harrowing artistic journey of a Holocaust survivor. Also in the running is “A Room Next Door,” a poignant tale of end-of-life friendship from acclaimed Spanish director Pedro Almodovar. The competition is fierce this year, with no single film considered a clear frontrunner, adding an element of suspense to the final decision.
The star-studded Lido has been the epicenter of glamour and cinematic artistry this year for the 81st edition of the world’s most venerable film festival. Historically, films celebrated at Venice often continue to enjoy success at the Oscars. This year was no exception, with the red carpet dazzled by the presence of Hollywood heavyweights such as Lady Gaga. She stars alongside Joaquin Phoenix in the sequel to Todd Phillips’ provocative “Joker” film. Meanwhile, George Clooney and Brad Pitt made waves with their action-comedy “Wolfs,” which premiered out of competition and promises future streaming on Apple TV+.
Experts have particularly spotlighted “The Brutalist” and “Queer” as films to watch. “Queer,” directed by Italy’s Luca Guadagnino, is an adaptation of Beat Generation author William Burroughs’ novella and features a remarkable performance by Daniel Craig. Similarly, Adrien Brody’s transformative role in “The Brutalist” has garnered substantial buzz, increasing anticipation for the final decision.
In the running for the coveted Best Actress award is Angelina Jolie, who delivered a powerful portrayal of opera singer Maria Callas in Pablo Larrain’s “Maria.” Nicole Kidman could prove to be strong competition with her daring performance in “Babygirl,” an erotic thriller that required notable bravery. The seasoned jury, led by French actress Isabelle Huppert, faces an arduous task in determining the winners, especially with such high-caliber performances across the board.
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Daniel Craig, known for his tenure as James Bond, is already generating Oscar buzz for his portrayal of William Lee in “Queer.” The character is a lonely, heavy-drinking gay writer in 1940s Mexico City, whose unreciprocated affection for a young man leads him on a harrowing and drug-laden journey across South America. Reflecting on the role, Craig noted, “If I was writing myself a part and wanted to tick off the things I wanted to do, this would fulfil all of them,” highlighting the depth and breadth of emotional experience the role offered him.
Activist themes were prevalent in many of the competing films, reflecting the turbulent socio-political landscapes of different eras and regions. These included explorations of abortion in “April,” white supremacy in “The Order,” the Mafia in “Sicilian Letters,” and the tragic enforced disappearances and murders during Brazil’s military dictatorship in “I’m Still Here.”
War and its profound impacts were another recurrent theme. Various films delved into historical and contemporary conflicts, with some documentaries focusing on the heartbreaking realities of the ongoing war in Ukraine and the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Two Italian films honed in on the devastating World Wars of the 20th century. Among these, “Russians at War,” directed by Russian-Canadian filmmaker Anastasia Trofimova, stood out for its raw perspective. Trofimova ventured behind the front lines with Russian soldiers, shedding light on a side of the conflict seldom portrayed. “Russian soldiers are not someone whose voices are heard,” she explained at a press event. “This is my attempt to see through the fog of war and to see people as people.”
This year’s festival also honored two cinematic giants: American actress Sigourney Weaver and Australian director Peter Weir, both of whom received lifetime achievement awards for their unparalleled contributions to the art of filmmaking.
As the Venice Film Festival prepares to draw its final curtain this Saturday, the world eagerly awaits which film will triumph and secure the prestigious Golden Lion. The festival has once again proven to be a vital platform, where profound stories, exceptional performances, and cinematic innovations converge, setting the stage for the upcoming awards season and beyond.
