From Isabella Rossellini to Aronofsky, from the parterre of stars in Locarno 79

The 79th edition of the Locarno Film Festival, set to begin on August 5, will feature a stellar lineup of international stars and filmmakers, with awards being presented throughout its run until August 15. Among the highlights, Italian actress Isabella Rossellini will receive the Excellence Award during the opening evening of the festival. The event will also honor American director, screenwriter, and producer Darren Aronofsky with the Pardo d’Onore, while French actress Virginie Efira will be awarded the Leopard Club Award. American filmmaker James Gray will be recognized with the Pardo alla Carriera, and Italian actress Asia Argento will be given the Life Achievement Award. The festival will also bestow the Vision Award upon Rick Baker and the Raimondo Rezzonico Award to Sigurjón “Joni” Sighvatsson. These honorees will participate in public discussions alongside festival attendees. Additionally, Oscar-winning actress Zoe Saldaña will attend the festival on August 10 for a public conversation at the Forum @Spazio Cinema, where she will receive a special Pardo award. Swiss actor Jean-Luc Bideau, known for his role in Ah que le bonheur est proche! and celebrated in both Swiss cinema and theater, will be honored on August 8 in Piazza Grande. On August 6, the festival will pay tribute to Claudio Simonetti, founder and keyboardist of the band Goblin, with a special screening of Inferno (1985) following a presentation in Piazza Grande, recognizing his exceptional contributions to film music. The selection of films for Locarno79 includes numerous notable actors and actresses. Among them are Olivia Wilde, appearing in The Invite, and Monica Bellucci, who has a role in the Italian film Ketticè competing in the festival’s competition section. Other participants include Isabelle Huppert and Sandrine Kiberlain in Ni Vue, Ni Connue, Claes Bang and Valerie Pachner in Ich Ist Ein Anderer, Caleb Landry Jones in Down the Arm of God, Valerio Mastandrea in Armony, Kingsley Ben-Adir and Rob Morgan in Frank & Louis, Emmanuelle Devos in Demain Je Tombe Amoureux, Anders Danielsen Lie, Kathrine Thorborg Johansen, and Simon Sears in Brave New Love, Kim Minhee in Nun Dul Dega Eomne, Ingrid Caven in Seize Moments De Ma Vie, Theo Rossi in Bruton, Giulia Maenza in Alberi Erranti, Alessandro Haber in Cercatori D’Angeli, and Sara Serraiocco in Il Cileno. The festival program will also showcase new works by several directors, including Hong Sangsoo, Albert Serra, Petra Volpe, Caroline Poggi, and Jonathan Vinel, as well as León & Cociña, Ben Rivers, Vincent Grashaw, Denis Côté, Erin Vassilopoulos, Beatrice Gibson, and Edgar Pêra. Their films will be presented to the audience over the course of the festival. The festival will take place in Locarno, Switzerland, beginning on August 5 and concluding on August 15. It will feature premieres, awards ceremonies, and public discussions involving industry figures and artists from around the world. The event will draw attention from both established names and emerging talents in the global cinematic landscape. The festival's programming will highlight diverse voices and creative expressions through its selections and honors. Awards will be presented throughout the festival period, with specific dates and events scheduled for each recipient. Public engagement will be emphasized through open forums and conversations with honorees and participants. The festival aims to provide a platform for showcasing innovative filmmaking and celebrating the contributions of individuals who have significantly impacted the art form. The presence of renowned actors and directors will add to the prestige of the event, drawing large audiences and media coverage. The festival will continue its tradition of honoring excellence in cinema while introducing new talent to the international stage. The lineup of films and guests reflects the festival's commitment to diversity and artistic innovation. The 79th Locarno Film Festival promises to deliver a rich cultural experience, featuring a mix of established and emerging filmmakers, as well as a wide array of performances and discussions. The event will conclude on August 15, marking the end of a week-long celebration of cinema.