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The 80th Venice International Film Festival, renowned for its glitzy red-carpet events and star-studded premieres, finds itself in an unusual predicament in 2023. The Hollywood film industry is grappling with strikes by actors and writers, and this industrial unrest has cast a shadow over the festival’s traditional opulence. While the absence of A-list celebrities has certainly changed the festival’s dynamics, it is important to reflect on how the event’s strong film lineup and displays of solidarity are helping it endure these challenging times.
In the not-so-distant past, the Venice Film Festival was synonymous with Hollywood glamour. A memorable moment in 2018 saw Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga arriving by boat, hand in hand, on the iconic red carpet. Their film “A Star Is Born” generated headlines and captivated audiences worldwide. However, this year, as Cooper’s latest directorial effort, “Maestro,” premieres in Venice, both he and his co-star Carey Mulligan are noticeably absent. The festival that once thrived on such star power now grapples with a stark contrast.
The ongoing actors’ and writers’ strike has paralyzed Hollywood, preventing stars from actively promoting their films. Red carpet appearances, autograph signings, and interviews have all been put on hold. Venice, as the oldest film festival globally and a traditional Oscar launchpad, has not been spared. The glitz and glamor that defined the event for years have been noticeably dampened.
Despite the challenging circumstances, the Venice Film Festival has not lost hope. Organizers remain optimistic that the strength of their film lineup will compensate for the absence of Hollywood stars. Prominent films like Sofia Coppola’s “Priscilla,” David Fincher’s “The Killer,” Ava DuVernay’s “Origin,” and Yorgos Lanthimos’s “Poor Things” promise to captivate audiences and critics alike. Only one film, Luca Guadagnino’s “Challengers,” was withdrawn, replaced by Edoardo De Angelis’s Italian Second World War drama, “Comandante.”
As the strike continues, the focus at the festival has shifted to which films will receive waivers from the actors’ union SAG-AFTRA. The ongoing battle between Sag-Aftra and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) over residuals and the increasing threat of AI looms large. Adam Driver made a significant appearance at the Venice Film Festival to promote his latest film, ‘Ferrari,’ and used this occasion to address the ongoing strikes within the entertainment industry, specifically calling out two major streaming platforms.
At the festival’s opening press conference, members of the competition jury, including directors Damien Chazelle, Martin McDonagh, and Laura Poitras, boldly sported T-shirts that declared: “Writers Guild on Strike!” This display of unity sends a powerful message of support for the striking writers and highlights the importance of industry solidarity in times of crisis.
The 2023 Venice Film Festival stands as a testament to the resilience of the film industry in the face of adversity. While the absence of Hollywood’s glitz and glamour is keenly felt, the festival’s strong film lineup and displays of solidarity demonstrate that the show must go on. As Hollywood grapples with strikes and industry-wide challenges, Venice reminds us that the art of filmmaking endures, even when the red carpet remains rolled up.
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