About our Venice Film Festival news
Latest news on Venice Film Festival 2024, providing comprehensive coverage of award winners, red carpet highlights, film premieres, and celebrity appearances at the 81st Mostra Internazionale d'Arte Cinematografica.
The 81st Venice International Film Festival, one of the world's most prestigious film events, took place from 28 August to 7 September 2024 at the historic Venice Lido. This year's festival showcased 21 films in the main competition, with entries from renowned directors and emerging talents vying for the coveted Golden Lion award.
The festival's top prize, the Golden Lion, was awarded to Pedro Almodóvar's "The Room Next Door", marking a triumph for the celebrated Spanish auteur. Other major winners included Brady Corbet, who received the Silver Lion for Best Direction for "The Brutalist", and Nicole Kidman, who took home the Volpi Cup for Best Actress for her performance in "Babygirl". The festival also honoured industry veterans, with Peter Weir and Sigourney Weaver receiving Golden Lions for Lifetime Achievement.
Beyond the awards, the festival buzzed with star-studded premieres and glamorous red carpet moments. Tim Burton's highly anticipated "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" opened the festival, while Pupi Avati's "The American Backyard" closed the event. The Lido was awash with celebrities, from Hollywood A-listers to European cinema royalty, all contributing to the festival's unique blend of artistic celebration and high-profile glamour.
Now in its 81st year, the Venice Film Festival has a rich history dating back to 1932, making it the world's oldest film festival. Over the decades, it has played a crucial role in showcasing groundbreaking cinema and launching the careers of numerous filmmakers. This year's edition continued that tradition, balancing established names with fresh voices across its various sections, including Orizzonti, Venice Classics, and the innovative Venice Immersive for XR works.
As the curtain falls on the 2024 Venice Film Festival, film enthusiasts and industry professionals alike are already looking forward to next year's event. Our NewsNow feed provides comprehensive, up-to-the-minute coverage of all aspects of the festival, from award announcements to behind-the-scenes insights, ensuring you stay informed about this pivotal event in the global film calendar.