VENICE, Italy — The 82nd Venice Film Festival opened with a dazzling start on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, showcasing Italian director Paolo Sorrentino’s highly anticipated drama La Grazia as its opening film. According to Variety, the festival, running through September 6, has drawn a glittering array of Hollywood stars and international auteurs, cementing its status as a critical launchpad for awards-season contenders vying for Oscar and Golden Globe nominations.
Sorrentino’s La Grazia, a poignant exploration of faith and redemption set in Naples, premiered to a standing ovation at the Sala Grande. “This is a story that speaks to the human spirit,” Sorrentino told reporters at a press conference, describing the film as a personal reflection on grace in turbulent times. The festival’s opening night also featured high-profile attendees, including stars like Cate Blanchett, Timothée Chalamet, and directors such as Alfonso Cuarón and Luca Guadagnino, whose films are competing for the coveted Golden Lion.
Venice has long been a springboard for awards hopefuls, with past premieres like Gravity and La La Land securing Oscar wins. This year’s lineup includes 21 films in competition, with standouts like Cuarón’s dystopian thriller Eclipse and Nicole Kidman’s drama Shades of Valor. “Venice sets the tone for the awards race,” a festival programmer told Variety, noting the event’s influence on global cinema trends. Posts on X buzzed with excitement, with users praising La Grazia’s lush visuals and Blanchett’s rumored supporting role as a potential Oscar contender.
Key highlights of the festival include:
- La Grazia’s world premiere, sparking early awards buzz for Sorrentino.
- A diverse competition slate, including films from Iran, Brazil, and South Korea.
- Special screenings honoring cinema icons, with a restored Fellini classic.
The festival also navigates challenges, including tighter security due to recent European protests and a push for sustainability with eco-friendly screenings. As Venice unfolds, its blend of star power and auteur-driven storytelling continues to shape the awards narrative, with La Grazia already generating buzz as a frontrunner for major accolades in 2026.
Source: Variety
