World's oldest major film festival, part of the Venice Biennale
Venice opens its 83rd edition with a slate focused on Gaza, Ukraine, tech power and media consolidation. George Clooney will receive a lifetime award; Oasis documentary and high-profile directors are features amid a broader geopolitical frame. The festival showcases a mix of Hollywood stars and world cinema as it navigates contemporary conflicts and industry shifts.
The Oasis brothers have reconciled, with Noel and Liam Gallagher renewing collaboration during a 2025 tour. A new documentary documents the reunion, with Steven Knight directing and behind-the-scenes access. The project highlights the brothers’ evolving relationship and the enduring appeal of their music.
George Clooney has been chosen to receive the Golden Lion at the 83rd Venice Film Festival, which runs from September 2–12. He has described the honor as tremendous and noted it may mean he is old. Venice holds personal significance for Clooney, including his 2014 marriage in the city.
The live-action Moana remake has drawn sharp criticism from Independent and Guardian reviewers who label it cynical and copy‑paste. Johnson’s return as Maui is described as stiff, with debate over whether the film adds anything new beyond the animated original.
Disney’s live-action Moana opens to a global $95 million, underperforming the $60 million U.S. target and facing scathing critics who call it a “shot-for-shot” redo. Audiences are warmer, with a CinemaScore A- and a largely female 66% share, while competition from new releases looms.
Los Angeles prosecutors have presented texts, photos and forensic evidence at a preliminary hearing accusing singer David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, of murdering and sexually abusing 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Evidence shown has included long-running messages, indications of a pregnancy and abortion, purchases of tools and a body bag, and DNA matches tying blood in Burke’s garage and a Tesla to the victim.
Venice has announced its lineup with new titles and a slate that mirrors Cannes in its mix of international cinema and documentaries. TIFF has revealed more than 60 films for its gala and special presentations, signaling its role as a key market ahead of the fall awards race. The two festivals showcase a mix of traditional studio projects and bold indie filmmaking.
The International Criminal Court has withdrawn charges against Abdallah Banda after prosecutors say key witnesses are no longer credible and new testimony could not sustain a conviction. Judges have approved the withdrawal, stressing it does not preclude later charges for similar facts. The decision affects 103 victims and comes amid broader scrutiny of the ICC.
Tributes have poured in after the deaths of Imelda Staunton’s film collaborator and Tom Chadbon, a veteran actor known for Doctor Who and Game of Thrones. Staunton has had a long career across film, stage and TV, while Chadbon is remembered for his Doctor Who role and later TV work. The articles note the attached celebrations of their careers and their impact on fans.
North Hertfordshire Council has granted SJM Concerts a premises licence for Knebworth House, enabling large-scale events and the Oasis reunion tour discussions. The licence allows up to 125,000 attendees, with live music and late-night events, and comes as a documentary on the reunion is set for Venice. The 30th anniversary of the 1996 gigs and other historic performances are in focus.
Venice Film Festival names NAZA, by Israeli directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, as the festival’s only documentary in competition. The film, shot at night from Tel Aviv rooftops, examines what the filmmakers describe as Israel’s calculated mass killing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. It builds on reporting by +972, Local Call and The Guardian, with production by The Guardian and JW Films and executive producing by Jonathan Glazer. The festival runs 2–12 September.