Overview

• The 82nd Venice Film Festival opened with La Grazia, in competition for the Golden Lion, drawing warm applause at press and evening screenings.
• Toni Servillo portrays fictional president Mariano De Santis as he weighs a euthanasia law and two pardons central to the story’s ethical questions.
• Sorrentino cites a real pardon by President Sergio Mattarella as a spark for the film while emphasizing the character blends traits from multiple presidents.
• Festival director Alberto Barbera said the event will not blacklist artists despite industry pressure related to Gaza and voiced sorrow for civilian deaths.
• Italy’s theatrical release is slated for January, a date widely read as awards‑minded, and MUBI acquired distribution rights in multiple territories outside Italy.