Overview

• Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimos presented the apocalyptic science‑fiction film Bugonia at the Lido, marking their fifth collaboration after Poor Things won Venice’s top prize in 2023.
• Lanthimos said he hopes the film prompts reflection on an impending reckoning for humanity, with themes that touch on conspiracy movements, species loss, the U.S. opioid crisis and labor exploitation.
• Noah Baumbach’s competition title Jay Kelly screened without its star George Clooney, who was reported to be ill with a sinus infection.
• Baumbach’s comedy features Adam Sandler and Laura Dern, was co‑written with Greta Gerwig and is one of three Netflix productions among the 21 competition entries.
• The festival opened with Paolo Sorrentino’s La Grazia and a lifetime honor for Werner Herzog, with further competition screenings including László Nemes’s Orphan as the event heads toward the Sept. 6 Golden Lion decision.