OR Angelina Jolie and the Brad Pitt they used to come together to the Venice International Film Festival and enjoy boating together on the city’s picturesque canals as a couple in love. At this year’s Festival (28 August – 7 September) the two actors will once again be present – ​​but in all likelihood they will try to avoid each other as much as possible.

However, the Film Festival is expected to be exciting for everyone. 21 films are nominated for the Golden Lion, the biggest award of the Festival, some of which are considered promising arthouse films, while others feature various movie stars.

The sequel to “Joker” and Nicole Kidman’s love thriller

Attention is of course focused on the sequel to “Joker”, directed by Todd Phillips, in which Joaquin Phoenix again stars – who in 2020 even won an Oscar for his role as the Joker. By his side this time is Lady Gaga.

“Joker: Folie à Deux” tells how the Joker, also known as Arthur Fleck, is locked up in a mental hospital awaiting the development of his trial. While at the clinic, Arthur will also meet his true love, Harley Quinn (Gaga). In 2019 “Joker” had won the Golden Lion in Venice.

Among the nominations is also “Queer” by director Luca Guantanino (who also directed the well-known project “Call Me By Your Name”). “Queer” is based on a book by William S. Burroughs and stars a queer drug addict (Daniel Craig).

The love thriller of the Dutch director Halina Rein is eagerly awaited. “Babygirl” tells the story of the love affair between a successful businesswoman (Nicole Kidman) and her young intern (Harris Dickinson). The film also stars Antonio Banderas, who plays the betrayed husband.

On different days the premieres of Pitt and Jolie

Brad Pitt stars in the action comedy “Wolfs” (John Watts) alongside his friend, George Clooney. The premiere of the film is scheduled for September 1st, while “Maria” starring Jolie is expected on August 29th.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, the “Brangelina” couple, as fans called them, have split – and their legal battle is still ongoing. The two actors had met on the set of “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” and they got married in 2014. A few years later, however, Jolie filed for divorce, accusing Pitt of being abusive to her and their children.

In Venice, however, the “fights” will only concern which are the best films of the Festival. The film that will win the Golden Lion will be selected by a committee of nine members, chaired by the famous French actress Isabelle Huppert. The German director Julia von Heinz (“And tomorrow, the whole world”) will also participate in the committee.

The documentary “Riefenstahl” stands out

Germany is represented with 17 co-productions in various categories of the Festival, with the documentary “Riefenstahl” (directed by Andreas Faiel) standing out. The film is produced by Sandra Meisberger, who spent years researching with Fael the life and work of Leni Riefenstahl (1902-2003). Riefenstahl, who was an actress and director, became particularly famous for the propaganda films she made about Nazi Germany, such as Triumph of the Will.

Ryder, Keaton and Costner will also be in attendance

The Festival will start with the screening of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” by Tim Burton. It is a fantasy-horror comedy film, which is a sequel to the 1988 film “Beetlejuice”. The new film stars Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder, who will play the same roles as those who had in “Beetlejuice”.

In Venice, however, one more Hollywood legend will be found. Kevin Costner will present in Italy the second part of “Horizon” – the first part was screened in May at Cannes, but did not receive praise from critics. However, Costner promised that the second part is better.

Edited by: Giorgos Passas