Venice Film Festival: Clooney, conflicts and competition dominate as ceremonies begin

Euronews Culture
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Sep 2, 2026
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George Clooney took center stage as the Venice Film Festival opened for its 83rd edition.
The 65-year-old director and producer was due to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award
on Wednesday evening but focused his press conference on issues beyond his career.
Clooney discussed artificial intelligence, climate change, Hollywood power and the state
of journalism. He said the film industry would have to find ways to survive the rise of AI.
Jury president Maggie Glyn Hall, for her part, addressed sexism and politics,
highlighting the lack of female directors in this year's competition.
Stars including Robert Pattinson and Oasis's Nolan Lyon-Gallagher are expected on the red
carpet. The festival's lineup also includes films about Gaza, the war in Ukraine and Elon Musk.
It opened with Danny Boyle's Inc. about Robert Murdoch's acquisition of the Sun.
The festival runs until 12th of September.
