The much-anticipated 80th annual Venice Film Festival opened with an unexpected twist as the absence of Zendaya, due to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, led to a subdued reception for the festival’s opening night movie. Luca Guadagnino’s highly anticipated film “Challengers,” featuring Zendaya, was originally slated to kick off the prestigious event but was unable to grace the Lido due to the prevailing labor issues within the entertainment industry.
In a departure from the norm, the festival instead launched with “Comandante,” a World War II drama directed by young Italian filmmaker Edoardo De Angelis. Set primarily on a submarine, the film garnered a brief 90-second standing ovation from the audience as lead actor Pierfrancesco Favino, who portrays naval officer Salvatore Todaro, took a bow.
The noticeable absence of star power was palpable on Venice’s opening night. Crowds outside the Sala Grande Theatre were notably smaller than in previous years when A-list celebrities like Lady Gaga and Timothée Chalamet graced the red carpet. The lack of their presence was evident as the biggest cheers of the evening were reserved for Damien Chazelle, the presiding member of the Venice jury. Another jury member, Jane Campion, engaged with the crowd, signing autographs and taking selfies.
Hollywood’s labor disputes took center stage during the day’s press conference. Both Chazelle and fellow juror Martin McDonagh expressed solidarity with the ongoing writers’ and actors’ strikes, visibly showing their support by donning “Writers Guild on Strike” attire.
Despite the promotional challenges stemming from the labor strike, Venice Film Festival’s artistic director, Alberto Barbera, assured attendees that a sprinkle of U.S. star power would still grace the event. Notable names like Adam Driver, Cailee Spaeny, Jacob Elordi, Caleb Landry Jones, and Jessica Chastain were expected to attend and promote their respective films, thanks to interim agreements from SAG that allowed them to participate.
The opening ceremony, hosted by Italian actor Caterina Murino, witnessed a poignant moment when Charlotte Rampling presented the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement to esteemed Italian director Liliana Cavani. Rampling, herself the lead in Cavani’s groundbreaking 1974 film “The Night Porter,” described how both she and Cavani had been shaped by the movie. Cavani, in her impassioned acceptance speech, drew attention to the need for more visibility for women in cinema.
As the festival progresses, it remains to be seen how the ongoing labor disputes will continue to impact the star-studded event. Amidst the challenges, filmmakers and artists from around the world are gathering to celebrate the art of cinema on the iconic Venice Lido.
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