Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix received an enthusiastic reception at the Venice Film Festival, where Todd Phillips’ musical sequel “Joker: Folie à Deux” garnered an impressive 11-minute standing ovation on Wednesday night.
Before the film’s premiere, Phoenix engaged with fans on the red carpet, taking selfies and signing autographs. Meanwhile, Phillips humorously borrowed a guest’s paper fan to keep cool amid the heat. Gaga was greeted with roars from the crowd as paparazzi created a chaotic scene, clamoring for her attention. One enthusiastic fan with pink hair held a sign expressing a desire for a brief moment with the star. Gaga, dressed for the occasion, needed assistance navigating her gown as she interacted with fans and signed autographs.
Key figures such as CAA CEO Bryan Lourd and Warner Bros. Pictures CEO Mike De Luca were also present at the premiere. As Gaga descended from her balcony seat after watching the film, fans repeatedly pleaded for selfies, creating a near stampede as they shouted her name.
The excitement was overwhelming for Phoenix, who left the theater during the standing ovation after nine minutes. He and Gaga appeared to share an intimate conversation throughout the applause, and she embraced her fiancé, Michael Polansky, during the celebration.
“Folie à Deux” serves as the sequel to Phillips’ 2019 film “Joker,” which premiered at Venice and won the prestigious Golden Lion. That film became the sixth-highest grossing film of its year and earned Phoenix an Academy Award for Best Actor, among other accolades, including 11 Oscar nominations overall.
Set two years after the events of “Joker,” “Folie à Deux” introduces Gaga to the cast and incorporates a unique musical aspect. The official synopsis reveals that Phoenix’s character, Arthur Fleck, is now a patient at Arkham State Hospital where he falls in love with music therapist Lee (Gaga). Together, they navigate musical madness tied to their shared delusions as Fleck’s followers rally for his liberation.
In a recent interview with Variety, Phillips discussed his inspiration for the sequel, reflecting on the risks involved in filmmaking. He stated, “Why do something if it doesn’t scare the shit out of you? I’m addicted to risk.”
Gaga’s last appearance at the Venice Film Festival was in 2018 for “A Star Is Born,” which also received significant acclaim, earning an eight-minute standing ovation.
“Joker: Folie à Deux” features a strong cast including Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, and Zazie Beetz and is set to hit theaters on October 4, distributed by Warner Bros.