The 82nd Venice International Film Festival unfolds from August 27 to September 6, 2025, on the Lido island in Venice, continuing its legacy as the world’s oldest and one of the most prestigious film festivals ReutersAP NewsWikipedia.
Directing this cinematic celebration is Alberto Barbera, bringing his artistic vision to the Biennale di Venezia La Biennale di VeneziaWikipedia. The opening and closing ceremonies will be elegantly hosted by Emanuela Fanelli Wikipedia.
Opening & Closing Films
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Opening Film: La grazia, an Italian drama by Paolo Sorrentino, featuring Toni Servillo and Anna Ferzetti, kicks off the festival’s competition on August 27 ReutersWikipedia+1.
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Closing Film: Dog 51, directed by Cédric Jimenez, concludes the festival ReutersWikipedia.
Awards & Honorees
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The prestigious Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement will honor Werner Herzog and Kim Novak for their enduring contributions to cinema Wikipedia+1.
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Additional accolades include:
Competition Highlights & Titles
This year’s festival lineup is rich with global talent, blending blockbuster premieres, powerful documentaries, and genre-defining dramas.
In Competition Gems
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La grazia (Opening Film) by Paolo Sorrentino ReutersWikipedia.
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Elisa, a gripping drama by Leonardo Di Costanzo, premieres on September 4 as a Golden Lion contender Wikipedia.
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Below the Clouds, a documentary by Gianfranco Rosi filmed in Naples, competes for the Golden Lion with its August 30 premiere Wikipedia.
Other Main Competition Entries
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Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation Frankenstein, starring Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi The GuardianAP News.
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Kathryn Bigelow’s A House of Dynamite, tackling nuclear dread The Guardian.
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Noah Baumbach’s Jay Kelly, featuring George Clooney AP NewsVanity FairReuters.
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Yorgos Lanthimos’s Bugonia with Emma Stone Vanity FairReuters.
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Jim Jarmusch’s Father Mother Sister Brother, starring Cate Blanchett Vanity FairReuters.
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Paolo Sorrentino’s After the Hunt, starring Julia Roberts Vanity FairReuters.
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François Ozon’s adaptation of The Stranger Vanity Fair.
Noteworthy Out-of-Competition Films
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Chien 51 by Cédric Jimenez (closing film) ReutersVanity Fair.
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Jacques Audiard’s series Un prophète Vanity Fair.
Socially and Politically Aware Films
The festival spotlights politically charged narratives:
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The Voice of Hind Rajab, depicting a Gaza tragedy The GuardianAP NewsReuters.
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The Wizard of the Kremlin, a political thriller on Putin The GuardianReuters.
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My Father and Qaddafi, a poignant documentary The Guardian.
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Milk Teeth, set in Ceaușescu’s Romania The Guardian.
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Notes of a True Criminal, reflecting on Ukraine’s turmoil The Guardian.
Orizzonti Opening Film
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Mother by Teona Mitevska inaugurates the Orizzonti section, known for pushing cinematic boundaries The Times of India.
Star Power: Who’s Attending?
Venice 2025 brings an extraordinary constellation of film luminaries:
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A-list attendees: Julia Roberts, Emma Stone, George Clooney, Dwayne Johnson AP NewsReuters.
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Leading directors: Kathryn Bigelow, Noah Baumbach, Yorgos Lanthimos, Park Chan-wook Reuters+1.
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Additional talent: Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Jesse Plemons, Cate Blanchett, Adam Driver, Andrew Garfield, Ayo Edebiri, Bill Skarsgård, Colman Domingo, Amanda Seyfried, Callum Turner, Jude Law AP News.
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More confirmed celebrity roles:
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After the Hunt: Julia Roberts, Ayo Edebiri, Chloe Sevigny Vogue Arabia.
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Father Mother Sister Brother: Cate Blanchett, Adam Driver Vogue Arabia.
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The Ballad of a Little Player: Tilda Swinton, Fala Chen Vogue Arabia.
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The Testament of Ann Lee: Amanda Seyfried, Thomasin McKenzie Vogue Arabia.
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The Smashing Machine: Emily Blunt, directed by Benny Safdie Vogue Arabia.
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Jay Kelly ensemble: George Clooney, Eve Hewson, Greta Gerwig, Alba Rohrwacher, Laura Dern Vogue Arabia.
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Tickets & Access Pricing
Single Screening Tickets (via Biennale website starting mid-August)
Prices vary by venue and time—general (full) and concession rates are available:
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Sala Grande:
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2:00 pm: €15 / €12
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4:30 pm: €20 / €15
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7:00 pm: €50 / €40
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9:30 pm: €40 / €30
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Midnight: €20 / €15 La Biennale di VeneziaNational Film Awards India.
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Palabiennale:
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2:30 pm & 5:00 pm: €12 / €9
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8:00 pm: €22 / €18 La Biennale di VeneziaNational Film Awards India.
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Sala Darsena: €14 / €10 La Biennale di VeneziaNational Film Awards India.
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Sala Giardino:
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9:00 am & 5:00 pm: €12 / €9
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9:00 pm: €14 / €10 La Biennale di VeneziaNational Film Awards India.
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Sala Corinto: €10 / €7 for all screenings. Additional smaller venues like Sala Casinò, Perla, Volpi, Astra 1 & 2 share similar pricing National Film Awards India.
Promotional Card (Accreditation)
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Valid from August 27 to September 6.
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Grants access to screenings with reservation and includes:
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Free use of most vaporetto (water buses) and bus lines to Lido/Mestre.
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Discounts on the festival catalogue La Biennale di Venezia.
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Ticket Purchase & Concessions
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Tickets go on sale Friday, August 8 at 3:00 PM CEST, exclusively online via the official site National Film Awards IndiaRelais AlbertiVenice Insider Guide.
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Concession rates apply for under-26s, over-65s, and Biennale Card holders—proof required at entry Relais Alberti.
Wrapping Up
The Venice Film Festival 2025 seems destined to shine brighter than ever. From globally acclaimed premieres and industry icons to socially resonant storytelling and breathtaking red-carpet moments, it promises to be a transformative cinematic journey.