Overview

• In a press conference, Julian Schnabel said there is no reason to boycott artists after activists urged Venice to rescind invitations to Gal Gadot and Gerard Butler.
• Festival chief Alberto Barbera confirmed no disinvitations; neither actor attended, and Gadot’s representative said she was never confirmed to appear.
• The out-of-competition premiere drew a lengthy standing ovation, with Oscar Isaac embracing Schnabel after the screening.
• Critics offered a mixed verdict, praising the film’s look and Isaac’s dual performance while citing self-seriousness and uneven storytelling.
• Schnabel received Venice’s Cartier Glory to the Filmmaker award as the star-laden adaptation—featuring Isaac, Gadot, Butler, John Malkovich, Al Pacino, Jason Momoa, and Martin Scorsese—continues sales talks.