Venice Film Festival Shines with Star-Studded Premieres

The Venice Film Festival's 81st edition kicks off with the world premiere of 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.' Hollywood stars like Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder grace the red carpet. Major films in competition include works starring Lady Gaga, Joaquin Phoenix, and Angelina Jolie. The festival runs for 10 days on the Lido island.

The 81st edition of the Venice Film Festival is kicking off in Hollywood fashion with the world premiere of 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice' on Wednesday. Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Jenna Ortega, Catherine O'Hara, and Monica Bellucci are among the cast expected to grace the red carpet.

The film, a sequel to Tim Burton's 1988 horror-comedy, features the Deetz family returning to their country home after the death of Charles. Winona Ryder's sullen Lydia is now a mother to her own surly teenage daughter, Astrid, played by Jenna Ortega.

'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice' is set to premiere out of competition before hitting theaters worldwide next week. The festival promises a star-studded affair with George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Kevin Costner's 'Horizon: An American Saga—Chapter 2' also on the schedule.

Major films vying for the Golden Lion include Todd Phillips' 'Joker: Folie à Deux,' featuring Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix, and Pablo Larraín's 'Maria,' starring Angelina Jolie. Other notable entries are 'Babygirl,' starring Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson, Luca Guadagnino's 'Queer,' with Daniel Craig, and Pedro Almodóvar's first English-language film, 'The Room Next Door,' featuring Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton.

(With inputs from agencies.)