Paolo Sorrentino’s ‘La Grazia’ Earns Rousing Standing Ovation as 82nd Venice Film Festival Begins
Paolo Sorrentino’s ‘La Grazia’ Earns Rousing Standing Ovation as 82nd Venice Film Festival Begins
The 82nd Venice Film Festival has officially commenced, with Paolo Sorrentino’s latest drama, “La Grazia,” captivating audiences and earning a four-minute standing ovation at its opening night premiere on Wednesday. The acclaimed Italian director, known for his Oscar-winning work, was met with an enthusiastic reception on the Lido.
“La Grazia” stars Toni Servillo, a frequent collaborator with Sorrentino, as a fictional Italian president, Mariano De Santis, confronting his own mortality and grappling with two pivotal clemency cases, including a contentious draft law on euthanasia. The film’s powerful narrative resonated deeply with the premiere’s attendees, which included Italian officials, industry figures, and notable stars such as Tilda Swinton and Cate Blanchett.
The opening ceremony also featured a significant moment with Francis Ford Coppola presenting Werner Herzog with a Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement. This marked Coppola’s first public appearance since undergoing a heart procedure earlier this month. The festival is set to continue its high-profile run through September 6, with a packed schedule of premieres from A-list talent, including Luca Guadagnino’s “After the Hunt,” Noah Baumbach’s “Jay Kelly,” Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein,” and the latest collaboration between Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone, “Bugonia.”
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