The 81st edition of the Venice Film Festival is wrapping up this weekend, culminating in the world premiere of Kevin Costner’s “Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 2” and the highly anticipated awards ceremony.

This year, there is no clear frontrunner for the top prize, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats to see which films will be recognized by the Isabelle Huppert-led jury. The 21 titles in competition have stirred up strong reactions, with both ardent supporters and vocal critics.

Some of the standout films vying for the prestigious award include Todd Phillips’ “Joker: Folie à Deux” starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, Pablo Larraín’s “Maria” featuring Angela Jolie, and Brady Corbet’s epic “The Brutalist” with Adrien Brody, among others.

Venice Film Festival has a history of awarding groundbreaking films, with past winners like “Joker” and “Poor Things” going on to achieve critical acclaim worldwide. The festival has become a vital stepping stone for films eyeing awards season recognition.

This year’s festival saw the return of Hollywood A-listers to the red carpet, with stars like George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Winona Ryder adding glamour to the event. The fashion was equally impressive, with celebrities like Lady Gaga and Nicole Kidman making sartorial statements.

The Venice Film Festival continues to be a marquee event in the film industry, setting the stage for upcoming awards contenders and showcasing the best of international cinema.

For more updates on the 2024 Venice Film Festival, visit https://apnews.com/hub/venice-film-festival.