The 81st Venice Film Festival is back in full force after a relatively subdued affair last year, promising a grand, star-studded celebration of cinema. While Cannes is known for its extravagant displays of glamour, Venice carries a more understated elegance, blending buzz with a quiet sophistication. This year, however, the festival is pulling out all the stops, boasting a lineup that features some of the most anticipated films of the season.
One of the biggest draws is the highly anticipated sequel to Tim Burton’s iconic *Beetlejuice*, with original cast members Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder reprising their roles as the titular ghost and Lydia Deetz, respectively. Alongside this nostalgic return, the festival will showcase fresh pairings, including Daniel Craig and Drew Starkey in a queer romance directed by Luca Guadagnino, and Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson in an erotic thriller. The musical sequel to *Joker* is another highly anticipated premiere, with Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga reuniting on screen as the iconic duo.
Beyond the premieres themselves, the Venice Film Festival is renowned for its dazzling red carpet appearances. From Zendaya’s striking Balmain look for *Dune* in 2021 to Lady Gaga’s extravagant Valentino moment in 2018, the festival has become a showcase for bold fashion choices.
The first day of the festival did not disappoint, with the cast of *Beetlejuice 2* arriving in style. Winona Ryder’s hair, a nod to her younger Lydia from the first film, and Jenna Ortega’s crimson-hued makeup, both made a strong impression. As the festival unfolds, expect to see even more breathtaking beauty looks and iconic fashion moments from the world’s biggest stars.
