After a long summer break following the Cannes Film Festival, we are once again seeing news and highlights from film festivals around the world. Venice, Telluride, and Toronto each host their prestigious film festivals within weeks of one another, showcasing and awarding some of the best global cinema across various categories. Although these festivals may have once seemed relatively obscure compared to the glamorous spectacle of Cannes, they are now gaining prominence and popularity, not just for their films but also for their elusive red-carpet moments. As these festivals rise in stature, their red-carpet events increasingly capture public attention, with stars making bold statements both in fashion and social values.

This year at Venice, Amanda Seyfried wore the exact same Versace ensemble that veteran actress Julia Roberts donned – a spirited and intentional nod to sustainability. By choosing to re-wear a famous ensemble, Seyfried not only paid tribute to Julia Roberts but also promoted sustainable fashion practices on one of the industry’s biggest stages.

Notably, there has been an abundance of reviews for films participating in the competition, generating anticipation for their upcoming fall and winter releases – a season recognized for its substantive content as compared to the lighter offerings prevalent during the summer. The films featured at these festivals frequently emerge as leading contenders throughout the awards season as they continue to receive acclaim and build momentum in subsequent months.

One of the most significant releases this year is Chloe Zhao’s adaptation of Hamnet, featuring Paul Mescal and Jesse Buckley, which has received exceptional reviews. Following his mainstream role in Gladiator 2, Paul Mescal returns to independent cinema with both Hamnet and History of Sound, each drawing strong acclaim on the festival circuit. After earning a Best Actor nomination for his performance in Aftersun, Mescal may be considered for another nomination for his portrayal of William Shakespeare in Hamnet. Zhao, previously awarded Best Director for Nomadland in 2020, continues to receive industry recognition.

At the recently concluded Venice Film Festival, Benny Safdie was awarded the Golden Lion for Best Director for his real-life drama The Smashing Machine. Dwayne Johnson’s transformative performance as UFC wrestler Mark Kerr could result in his first major acting nomination. The awards have traditionally recognised actors for substantial physical and emotional transformations undertaken for their roles. Emily Blunt also delivered a compelling performance as Kerr’s insecure and desperate wife, potentially positioning her for a Best Supporting Actress nomination.

Park Chan Wook’s No Other Choice has garnered widespread acclaim and positive reviews. While lengthy standing ovations at festivals are sometimes seen as promotional tactics rather than true indicators of quality, No Other Choice appears to be an exception, receiving consistently favourable feedback. With Korean cinema’s growing recognition by the Academy Awards, this year may see No Other Choice achieve significant success.

Lynne Ramsay’s Die My Love, featuring Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson, is a noteworthy film on the festival circuit this year. Having received a standing ovation at Cannes, it has garnered significant attention for Jennifer Lawrence’s compelling and deeply nuanced portrayal of a new mother experiencing post-natal depression. While the film may not appeal to all audiences, Lawrence’s performance is particularly distinguished.

Anticipation also surrounds Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, with Jacob Elordi cast in the unconventional role of the creature. Although the production may not be positioned as a major contender for industry awards, it promises to be a visually impressive cinematic experience, even if its release will not be limited to traditional theatrical venues.

Additionally, Luca Guadagnino returns with After The Hunt starring Julia Roberts. Guadagnino’s commitment to producing diverse stories at a remarkable pace continues to set him apart as a director. While this film may not receive widespread recognition during awards season, it is expected to attract interest due to its accomplished director and prominent cast.

The landscape of contenders for the awards may further evolve as more films get released. Following a successful summer featuring box office hits such as Jurassic Park, Superman, and F1, audiences now have the opportunity to appreciate a range of distinctive and exceptional films from around the world.

Soundarya Sharma made her Hindi film debut with Ranchi Diaries that hit the screens in 2017. Three years later, she marked her foray into the web space with Raktanchal, a crime-drama. Known for her glamorous image, the actor was seen shedding her popular avatar and playing rather gritty characters in these projects.

“It was a conscious choice,” she says, adding, “People will see whatever you serve them. And it is totally the actor’s call as to how they want to be seen. In Hollywood, Julia Roberts is considered the most glamorous actor but she isn’t considered dumb. But here in Bollywood, you’ve to do a non-glamourous role to be accepted and be taken seriously.”

The actor confides that screen time isn’t her priority as long as she’s able to capture the imagination of the audience. “I’m open to doing a dance number or even play a small role in a big-budget film. Priyanka Chopra Jonas had just one song in Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013) but when she came on the screen, it was magical. So, I believe even a smaller part can sometimes do wonders bigger than a character that you see throughout a film. It totally depends on the character that you play and ultimately the fate of the film,” she elaborates.

So, what are the factors that draw her to a project? “It has to be a good story as it is the main hero in today’s time. It needs to connect with me. The second criterion is my character. The third is the production house and the platform. To get a better understanding, I went to New York Film Academy and Lee Strasberg Theatre And Film Institute,” she replies.

Going ahead, Sharma reveals that she has a chock-o-block schedule. “I had started shooting for two web shows but we had to postpone them due to the second wave of the Coronavirus pandemic. I also finished shooting 80% of the second season of Raktanchal. I recently signed a film but that too had to be halted. Another show was supposed to release on May 15 but we couldn’t shoot for the promotional material and so, that got postponed too,” she concludes.

How did the makers of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel rope you in for the sequel? Was it the lure of shooting in India?
Yes, it was the lure of shooting in India. I've always wanted to film here, it's such a charming country, and to be able to spend four weeks in Rajasthan with a wonderful director like John Madden was great. We mostly shot in Udaipur, I'd never been there before. What a beautiful city and such wonderful people! My assistant was from there and he showed me all the secret places.

You've been to India several times, is there anything you're yet to see?
Yes, for 40 years I've been coming to India, some times two or three times a year. I mostly go to my teachers in Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka. Last year I was in Arunachal Pradesh. My brother, David, was in Madurai. I have been mostly everywhere, albeit briefly, but I haven't been that far down South. India is an incredible country, you can't just spend two-three days in one place. So for the next 20-50 years I'm going to try and spend more time here.

What was it like swinging to the popular Bollywood chartbuster Jhoom Barabar? How difficult was it perfecting the thumkas?
Not difficult at all. We had great choreographers and coming from a Western tradition we weren't supposed to know how to dance. We just had to go up on stage, watch the other dancers and follow their moves, learning as we went along. It was the first thing we shot. I just flew in and started with the dance rehearsals.

Have you watched any Hindi film recently?
I haven't watched anything lately, not even American movies because I've been so busy. Bollywood films interest me.

Now that you've danced to one of our popular hit tunes, can you see yourself in a Bollywood film?
(Laughs) I've always liked Bollywood films, we have a tradition for musicals in the US so telling a story through songs isn't all that odd. Now that I have shot an American film in India, maybe I can do an Indian film next.

Pretty Woman, your first career milestone, recently completed a silver jubilee run. Twenty-five years later, what is that one moment that makes the film memorable for you?
I really don't know. I enjoy a film when we're actually making it. I like the moment of creation. We have no control over its success or failure but we have control over the moment of creation.

How many times have you seen the film?
A couple of nights ago, we had a reunion of sorts and that's when I realised that the only time I'd seen the film, from beginning to end, was at the preview, sitting with Julia (Roberts) in the dark...and that was 25 years ago.

There was a lot of talk about a sequel, why did it never happen?
We never got a script that was great.

Ok, what makes Richard Gere so dishy and desirable at 65?
You're asking me that? How would I know? I'm just thankful that at 65 I'm still working all the time, in interesting projects, with wonderful people. Beyond that I can't say anything.

Shilpa Shetty, Padma Lakshmi, Lillete Dubey.....Do you think Indian women are gorgeous?
Of course they are gorgeous, they are incredibly beautiful! Lillete especially is such a wonderful woman. Beautiful, talented, funny, an extraordinary Indian woman!