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Despite Glitzy Venice Lineup, Lack of Access to A-List Talent Like Brad Pitt and Lady Gaga Leaves International Journalists Frustrated
Despite its glitzy lineup, the Venice Film Festival is facing journalists' discontent as the biggest stars eschew interviews in favor of red carpets.
While stars and filmmakers including Cate Blanchett and Sigourney Weaver are participating in red carpet appearances and press conferences — along with a handful of select interviews with top media outlets — the bulk of journalists attending the fest have been denied access to big name talent. “Eventually the protest could involve the festivals themselves, which risks seeing the departure of hundreds of accredited journalists and publications and where the commentary on films and the opinion of their authors will be left to artificial intelligence,” says the letter. This decision, influenced by the studios and supported by many publicists, puts in jeopardy an entire category of journalists, particularly freelancers, who with their passionate and relentless work often help in the success of films, give voice and prestige to directors and actors, and contribute to igniting the debate on projects that aim for the Oscars, the Golden Globes and other prestigious awards.
Or read this on Variety
