Venice Film Festival highlights political lineup and extended standing ovations

The short version

• The Gaza documentary 'NAZA' received a 24.5-minute standing ovation, reported as the longest ever recorded at a major film festival.[Variety]
• John Malkovich is gaining early awards attention for playing an unconventional CIA agent in 'Wild Horse Nine.'[Variety]
• Festival artistic director Alberto Barbera labeled the current slate the most political in the event's history.[Variety]
• Only two competition entries up for the Golden Lion were directed by women, while George Clooney received a lifetime achievement honor.[Variety]

Key facts

• The documentary 'NAZA' received a 24.5-minute standing ovation, noted as the longest recorded at a major film festival.[Variety]
• John Malkovich is drawing awards buzz for his portrayal of an eccentric CIA operative in 'Wild Horse Nine.'[Variety]
• Artistic director Alberto Barbera characterized the slate as the most political lineup in festival history.[Variety]
• George Clooney attended the event to receive the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement.[Variety]
• Only two films in the main Golden Lion competition, 'Woman Unknown' and 'NAZA,' were directed or co-directed by women.[Variety]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Venice Film Festival Takeaways: Malkovich Storms the Oscar Race, Political Movies Dominate Buzz and MoreVariety metered