The Venice Film Festival, a renowned celebration of cinema, is set to return in full force this summer, with a star-studded lineup that promises to generate headlines worldwide. However, it’s no stranger to generating buzz – the past decade has seen the festival become a magnet for industry drama, making it a captivating spectacle beyond the silver screen. As the 81st edition approaches, we delve into the most talked-about Venice Film Festivals in recent memory.
2014: A Bizarre Return to the Spotlight
The year a Swedish film titled “A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence” won the Golden Lion was marked by a strange return for Lars von Trier, the provocative Danish filmmaker. Having stepped away from the industry after being banned from Cannes for making controversial statements, he made a virtual appearance at Venice to discuss his director’s cut of “Nymphomaniac.” The extended version, filled with explicit content, led to von Trier describing himself as a “masochist” and declaring he knew everything about female sexuality, sparking debate and controversy. This incident, coupled with a later accusation of sexual harassment by Björk, solidified von Trier’s presence in the annals of Venice Film Festival drama.
2018: A Lightning Strike and the Birth of a Hollywood Stalwart
Lady Gaga, already a musical powerhouse, made a definitive transition into Hollywood at the 75th Venice Film Festival with the debut of “A Star is Born.” Her arrival on a boat in a stunning bustier dress, followed by dazzling appearances in white Alaïa and a feathered Valentino gown, ignited the red carpet. However, the drama didn’t stop there. A lightning strike during the screening caused a power outage, adding to the captivating atmosphere and cementing the film’s grand entrance.
2019: Outrage over the Lack of Women Directors and Shocking Winners
The 76th Venice Film Festival started with a chaotic press conference. Criticism arose for including Roman Polanski’s film, “An Officer and a Spy,” and for the lack of female representation in the main competition. While the festival head defended the inclusion of Polanski, the jury president, Lucrecia Martel, voiced concerns about the limited female directors. This sparked a debate about quotas and representation, culminating in Todd Phillips’s “Joker” winning the top prize, followed by Polanski’s controversial win of the Grand Jury Prize, adding another layer of controversy to the already tumultuous event.
2020: The First Covid-era Film Festival
With the pandemic shutting down Cannes and Telluride, Venice seemed unlikely to proceed. Yet, it persisted, showcasing films like “Pieces of a Woman,” “One Night in Miami,” and the Golden Lion winner, “Nomadland.” The event was marked by social distancing, masks, and a reduced number of press passes. While hailed as a success, the decision to hold the festival amidst rising Covid cases raised questions, forcing a reflection on the role of in-person festivals in a changing world.
2022: The Decade’s Most Tumultuous Press Tour
The 2022 Venice Film Festival will forever be remembered for the drama surrounding Olivia Wilde’s “Don’t Worry Darling.” The film’s press tour was dominated by rumors of a feud between Wilde and Florence Pugh, culminating in a public spat between Wilde and Shia LaBeouf, who was initially cast in the film. Pugh’s absence from the press conference and cryptic messages from stylists only intensified the media frenzy. Even a viral video that seemingly showed Harry Styles spitting on Chris Pine, later debunked, contributed to the saga, making “Don’t Worry Darling” the most talked-about event of the decade, overshadowing the film itself and leaving an indelible mark on the Venice Film Festival’s history.
