Venice Film Festival 2025: A Star-Studded Showcase of New Films

The Venice International Film Festival is set to illuminate the city’s historic waterways from August 27 to September 9, 2025, with a spectacular lineup of films led by Hollywood icons such as George Clooney, Emma Stone, Julia Roberts, and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. This year's festival promises to showcase a diverse array of cinematic artistry, with highly anticipated premieres that include Guillermo del Toro's adaptation of Mary Shelley's classic novel, "Frankenstein," featuring Oscar Isaac in the titular role and Jacob Elordi as the creature.

In an announcement made by Alberto Barbera, the festival’s artistic director, several other noteworthy films were revealed, including Benny Safdie's "The Smashing Machine," which stars Dwayne Johnson as Mark Kerr, a heavyweight wrestling champion, alongside Emily Blunt as his wife. Moreover, the festival will see the fourth collaboration between Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone in the film "Bugonia," a remake of the acclaimed 2003 Korean sci-fi film "Save the Green Planet!" directed by Jang Joon-hwan.

Jim Jarmusch, a prominent figure in independent cinema, is poised to compete for the prestigious Golden Lion with his anthology film "Father Mother Sister Brother," which features a star-studded cast including Adam Driver, Charlotte Rampling, and Cate Blanchett. Barbera expressed his enthusiasm for having Jarmusch in the lineup, stating, "Cannes had always prevailed; we have him this year."

The festival will also spotlight veteran directors, with Gus Van Sant presenting his historical drama "Dead Man’s Wire" and Kathryn Bigelow unveiling her geopolitical thriller "The House of Dynamite," which stars Idris Elba. Additionally, Hungarian auteur László Nemes will present "Orphan," a deeply personal film inspired by his father's experiences during the 1956 uprising against Soviet rule.

In a notable twist, Jude Law takes on the role of Vladimir Putin in Olivier Assayas's "The Wizard of the Kremlin," which explores the Russian president's ascent through the eyes of his spin doctor, portrayed by Paul Dano. Italian cinema will be represented by Luca Guadagnino's "After the Hunt," a London-set drama featuring Julia Roberts, Andrew Garfield, and Chloë Sevigny, alongside Paolo Sorrentino’s "La Grazia," which has already been announced as the festival's opening film.

This year’s jury will be presided over by acclaimed director Alexander Payne, joined by a diverse group of professionals from various backgrounds, including exiled Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof and Brazilian actor Fernanda Torres. The Venice International Film Festival continues its tradition of being a significant platform for filmmakers, promising an exciting lineup that caters to a wide range of cinematic tastes and styles.

As the festival approaches, industry analysts are keen to observe how these films will resonate with audiences and critics alike, especially in a year where competition among international film festivals is intensifying. With its exquisite blend of glamour and artistic expression, the Venice Film Festival remains a beacon for film lovers and a launchpad for future cinematic successes.