Venice Film Festival to showcase star-studded lineup, including 'Joker: Folie à Deux' and 'Maria'

With a total of 21 films vying for the Golden Lion, the jury will have a difficult task ahead of them.

The 81st Venice International Film Festival is gearing up to be a cinematic extravaganza, with a diverse and star-studded lineup that promises to captivate audiences and critics alike.

Leading the charge is Todd Phillips' highly anticipated "Joker: Folie à Deux," featuring the mesmerizing duo of Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga. This sequel to the critically acclaimed "Joker" will delve deeper into the twisted psyche of the iconic villain and explore his relationship with Harley Quinn.

The festival will also showcase Pedro Almodóvar's first foray into English-language filmmaking with "The Room Next Door," starring Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton. This psychological thriller is sure to be a highlight, given Almodóvar's reputation for crafting complex and visually stunning narratives.

Another major draw is Pablo Larraín's "Maria," a biopic of the legendary opera singer Maria Callas, with Angelina Jolie taking on the challenging lead role. Larraín's previous work, including "Jackie" and "Spencer," has demonstrated his ability to create evocative portraits of iconic women, and "Maria" promises to be no exception.

The festival's competition lineup also includes Luca Guadagnino's "Queer," an adaptation of William S. Burroughs' short novel, starring Daniel Craig and Drew Starkey, as well as Justin Kurzel's "The Order," a thriller with Jude Law as an FBI agent investigating a white supremacist terrorist organization.

With a total of 21 films vying for the prestigious Golden Lion, the jury, led by the esteemed French actress Isabelle Huppert, will have a difficult task ahead of them. However, one thing is certain: the 81st Venice International Film Festival is shaping up to be an unforgettable celebration of cinema, showcasing the best in international filmmaking talent and offering a diverse range of stories and perspectives.