"Zendaya's Absence Fails to Dampen Venice Opening Night's 90-Second Ovation"

The 80th annual Venice Film Festival kicked off with the World War II drama "Comandante" by Edoardo De Angelis, as the SAG-AFTRA strike prevented the anticipated tennis drama "Challengers" from opening the festival. The lack of star power was noticeable, with smaller crowds and the biggest cheers going to Damien Chazelle and Jane Campion, who are part of the festival's jury. Hollywood labor issues were discussed, and despite the strike, there will still be some U.S. star power present. The opening ceremony featured Charlotte Rampling presenting the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement to Liliana Cavani, the first woman over 80 editions of the festival to receive the award. Cavani called for more recognition of women in cinema and highlighted her latest film, "The Order of Time."