Children’s Books and Graphic Novels Lead the Pack at Venice’s Book Adaptation Rights Market

Cate Blanchett steps out onto the beach in her red palm tree outfit and red sunglasses on Wednesday (September 14) in Venice, Italy.

Nick Vivarelli International Correspondent With “Chiara,” Susanna Nicchiarelli’s portrait of Saint Clare of Assisi – the 13th century saint born into a wealthy family who at age 18 became a nun after hearing St. Francis preach – the Italian director completes her trilogy of female biopics, segueing from “Nico, 1988” and “Miss Marx,” which both launched from Venice’s Horizons section. With “Chiara,” she makes the leap into the main Venice competition. Nicchiarelli spoke to Variety about what drew her to portraying this prototypical feminist and directing “My Brilliant Friend” star Margherita Mazzucco in the pic’s titular role. Excerpts. What drove you to want to tell us this story about St. Clare?Well, first of all, I was always passionate about Saint Francis. I have a very strong memory when I first saw Franco Zeffirelli’s “Brother Sun, Sister Moon.” I was at school when they showed it to us and this boy, this man, taking his clothes off in front of the Bishop. That was a very strong image. Francis’ battle speaks to us just as much today because it’s a battle for poverty, against social injustice. It’s about being on the side of the poor, of those who are different, and the injustices of a society in which very few have everything and then most have nothing. So, this was their battle. The medieval society was like that. It’s not so different from the way it is now.

Sarah Ferguson was spotted frantically making her way back to the UK at Venice airport just hours before the Queen sadly died at Balmoral. The ex-wife of Prince Andrew had been in Italy for the Venice International Film Festival, but when news of the Queen's ill-health broke, she embarked on a return to the UK. Just hours after Sarah was pictured at the Italian airport, the Duke of York and the Wessexes were pictured arriving at Balmoral in a car being driven by Prince William.They had all flown to Aberdeen airport together on an RAF jet.

Jodie Turner-Smith stepped out in another colorful look for the 2022 amfAR Venice Gala held at Arsenale on Wednesday night (September 7) in Venice, Italy.

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel are living their best lives on an Italian vacation.The cute couple were spotted packing on the PDA as they enjoyed themselves on an idyllic getaway to the vacation destination, where they also enjoyed some time on the beach.After frolicking in the ocean, the pair shared an intimate moment together on the shore, as a shirtless Timberlake locked lips with his leopard print bikini-clad wife as they both dried off with striped towels.The duo have been spending quite of bit of their summer in Italy this year, after having previously enjoyed a PDA-filled outing back in July.The «Rock Your Body» singer and  actress were seen in late July living it up on the Mediterranean Sea near one of Italy's most picturesque islands, Sardinia. The happy couple was spotted hanging out on a yacht soaking up some rays while chopping it up.Back on land, the couple — who share sons, Silas, 7, and Phineas, 1 -- took refuge from the sun by throwing on a couple of hats and relaxing under an umbrella.

Florence Pugh took to Instagram to praise her "Don’t Worry Darling" co-stars as news was reported that she will not be attending the upcoming press Q&A in New York on Sept. 19. Pugh shared several images on Instagram with the cast from the Venice Film Festival, which took place on Monday.

Nothing to worry about, darling. Florence Pugh gushed about the cast and crew of Don’t Worry Darling days after the film’s headline-making premiere at the Venice International Film Festival.

Rege-Jean Page is joined by his longtime girlfriend Emily Brown as they leave for the Venice Airport on Tuesday (September 6) in Venice, Italy.

Anna Tingley If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Variety may receive an affiliate commission. There’s been no lack of drama at this year’s Venice Film Festival thanks to the behind-the-scenes tabloid gossip circulating around Olivia Wilde’s “Don’t Worry Darling,” which premiered on Monday. So, it’s only fitting that Harry Styles landed in Venice in a dramatic fit. Styles, who stars as the cunning suburban husband to Florence Pugh’s Alice in the retro thriller, arrived at the Venice Airport sporting a ’70s-inspired ensemble courtesy of Gucci, who Styles has been in collaboration with since last June. He sported the Italian label’s double-breasted jacket in burgundy, monogram sweater vest, flare jeans and Adidas x Gucci Gazelle sneakers.

Julianne Moore sparkles her way down the red carpet for her latest appearance at the 2022 Venice Film Festival.

Harry Styles kissed someone at the Don’t Worry Darling premiere… and it wasn’t his girlfriend Olivia Wilde!

It looks like things went off reasonably well for Olivia Wilde and Florence Pugh on the red carpet on Monday!

Florence Pugh had the best red carpet date at the Don’t Worry Darling premiere – her grandmother, Pat!

Florence Pugh made a sparkling statement on the 79th Venice International Film Festival red carpet on Monday. The actress is in Italy for the premiere of Olivia Wilde's forthcoming film  where Pugh stars opposite Harry Styles. Pugh brought her grandmother as her date for the premiere, and the two walked the red carpet in perfect style.

Ana de Armas steals a kiss from boyfriend Paul Boukadakis as they catch a water taxi to their hotel in Venice, Italy.

Florence Pugh looks so stunning at the premiere of Don’t Worry Darling during the 2022 Venice International Film Festival on Monday (September 5) in Venice, Italy

Harry Styles shows off his sharp fashion style on the red carpet at the premiere of Don’t Worry Darling during the 2022 Venice International Film Festival on Monday (September 5) in Venice, Italy

Colin Farrell suits up sharp for the premiere of his new movie, The Banshees of Inisherin, during the 2022 Venice International Film Festival on Monday (September 5) in Venice, Italy.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge stands next to partner Martin McDonagh during the premiere of his new film, The Banshees of Inisherin, during the 2022 Venice International Film Festival on Monday (September 5) in Venice, Italy.