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Venice Film Festival lineup unveiled

Celebrities like Julia Roberts and George Clooney will headline this year's event.

July 22, 2025 at 03:20 PM

Venice Film Festival lineup: Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Emma Stone and Dwayne Johnson

Celebrities like Julia Roberts and George Clooney will headline the Venice International Film Festival this year.

Venice Film Festival reveals star-studded lineup

Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Emma Stone, Dwayne Johnson, Adam Sandler, and Idris Elba will be among the stars at the Venice International Film Festival, which premiered its lineup for the 82nd edition on Tuesday. It begins on August 27 and runs to September 6. Notable entries include Yorgos Lanthimos's "Bugonia," an adaptation of a South Korean sci-fi comedy, and Noah Baumbach's "Jay Kelly," featuring Clooney and Sandler. Other high-profile films in competition for the Golden Lion are Guillermo del Toro's "Frankenstein," Benny Safdie's "The Smashing Machine," and Kathryn Bigelow's political thriller "A House of Dynamite." Luca Guadagnino's film about sexual violence, "After the Hunt," will debut out of competition, marking Roberts' first appearance at the festival. Also, documentaries from renowned directors like Sofia Coppola and Werner Herzog will showcase their work outside the competitive sections. The festival has a history of helping films gain critical acclaim leading up to the Oscars, continuing to attract industry attention this year.

Key Takeaways

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Julia Roberts makes her Venice debut with "After the Hunt."

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Star-studded lineup includes George Clooney and Emma Stone.

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Films tackle contemporary issues like violence and political tension.

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Venice serves as a vital springboard for films in the Oscar race.

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Documentaries feature well-known directors like Sofia Coppola and Werner Herzog.

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Several films will transition to the Toronto Film Festival after Venice.

""Venice has established itself as a solid launching pad for Oscar hopefuls.""

This highlights the festival's role in shaping Oscar contenders, emphasizing its importance in the film industry.

""The lineup features films that challenge our perceptions and evoke strong emotions.""

This captures the essence of Venice's focus on relevant storytelling.

The Venice International Film Festival not only celebrates cinematic artistry but also serves as an essential precursor to award season. By featuring big names and thought-provoking narratives, it creates momentum for various films that might become significant contenders for the Oscars. The diverse lineup, including projects tackling contemporary issues like political strife and personal tragedy, reflects a growing trend in cinema towards socially relevant storytelling. This year’s festival appears poised to reaffirm Venice's status as a prominent platform for filmmakers aiming for both critical and commercial success. The festival's ability to draw major talent underscores its importance within the film industry.