The Venice Film Festival opens on Wednesday with George Clooney receiving a career Golden Lion and Danny Boyle’s Ink, about Rupert Murdoch’s controversial rise to power through The Sun, premiering in competition.
The 83rd Venice Film Festival runs on the Lido until September 12, with Clooney’s honorary award and Boyle’s new film providing a high-profile opening night.
Clooney, 65, will receive the Golden Lion for Career Achievement after a tribute from actress and long-time friend Laura Dern. He was at Venice last year as both actor and director with Jay Kelly.
The festival’s opening film, Ink, stars Jack O’Connell, Guy Pearce and Claire Foy and tells the story of Murdoch’s acquisition of the struggling British newspaper The Sun in 1969. Directed by Boyle and adapted by playwright James Graham from his 2017 stage play, the film examines the Australian-born media magnate’s transformation of the newspaper after his purchase.
Murdoch had already acquired the News of the World in 1968. His takeover of The Sun the following year saw him turn the struggling daily into a mass-market tabloid built around sensational headlines, celebrity stories, Page 3 photographs and a strongly conservative political position.
The newspaper subsequently became a major force in British politics and famously claimed that its support helped Margaret Thatcher and other Conservative leaders win general elections.
Five Italian films in competition
Italian cinema will also have a significant presence at this year’s festival, with five Italian films competing for the Golden Lion. The competition winner will be announced when the festival closes on 12 September.
