The Venice Film Festival has unveiled an exciting and star-studded lineup for 2025, showcasing a blend of Hollywood blockbusters and independent films. Festival chief Alberto Barbera confirmed that the roster includes prominent actors such as George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Idris Elba, and Dwayne Johnson, adding that there is an impressive array of documentaries as well.
Barbera expressed his satisfaction with the selection, stating he secured about 95% of his desired films. He highlighted the strength of this year’s documentaries, noting their capacity to capture compelling stories. Noteworthy mentions include a documentary about critic Goffredo Fofi and Gianfranco Rosi’s latest film, “Below the Clouds,” which promises to impress audiences.
While most of the stars are expected to attend the festival, Barbera acknowledged some may miss out due to filming commitments, such as Jason Momoa and Oscar Isaac. When questioned about potential additions to the lineup, Barbera indicated that scheduling slots would be difficult at this stage.
Controversially, Google’s involvement in choosing not to submit “After the Hunt” for competition drew attention, with Barbera revealing that it’s regarded as a strong film that would likely be a contender in other awards circuits. Regarding Oscar prospects, he mentioned various performances that could gain traction, particularly Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson in “The Smashing Machine” and Kathryn Bigelow’s latest film centered on a missile threat to the U.S.
Barbera also discussed the trend of longer film runtimes, attributing it partially to filmmakers’ exposure to lengthy television series, which may influence their narrative styles. He aimed to balance audience engagement by suggesting that films could benefit from being shorter.
On the subject of the festival’s programming decisions, he addressed the omission of Paul Thomas Anderson’s anticipated film and clarified the situation surrounding director Julian Schnabel’s project, which experienced disputes over length and style.
As the festival gears up, Barbera anticipates a vibrant atmosphere filled with discussions and activities surrounding the films. This year’s Venice Film Festival aims not only to entertain but also to provoke thought, making it a significant event on the cinematic calendar.
The variety and caliber of films indicated a promising festival, potentially leading to a diverse and enriching celebration of cinema.