In supporting the 2021 Venice International Film Festival, Cartier strengthens its long-lasting commitment to preserving cultural heritage and supporting contemporary artistic creation

The Venice International Film Festival is the world's oldest film festival, and one of the most prestigious. First created by the Venice City Council in 1893, the festival is a celebration of international cinema and artistic freedom, as well as an event for retrospectives and tributes to major figures in cinema.

This year, the Venice International Film Festival returns for its 78th annual edition, to be held from 1 to 11 September, with iconic French jewellery house Cartier as its main sponsor.

See also: Cannes Film Festival 2021: Full Winners List

Tatler Asia
Above The Palazzo del Cinema in Lido di Venezia, where the Venice International Film Festival will be held

As part of this collaboration, the Venice International Film Festival and Cartier will pay tribute to outstanding filmmakers through the Cartier Glory to the Filmmaker Award, which will be dedicated to a personality who has made a particularly original contribution to the contemporary film industry. The award ceremony will take place in Lido di Venezia, and promises to be a unique occasion that celebrates talent, creativity, and emotion.

In addition, the main sponsor of last year's Venice International Film Festival, Armani Beauty, will be the official beauty sponsor of the film festival. As part of the film festival's collaboration with Armani Beauty, La Biennale di Venezia will also be unveiling the Audience Award – Armani beauty, in recognition of the best film of the new Orizzonti Extra section.

See also: Cannes 2021: Julia Ducournau is Second Female Director to Win Palme D'Or

Tatler Asia
Above The Golden Lion, the highest prize given to a film at the Venice International Film Festival

Even with the addition of new categories, competition is sure to be stiff. Some hotly anticipated movies debuting at the 78th Venice International Film Festival include: Denis Villeneuve’s star-studded Dune, which boasts Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya; Pablo Larraín's Princess Diana biopic Spencer, starring Kristen Stewart; and Pedro Almodóvar’s Madres Paralelas (below), starring Penélope Cruz.

Other films include to look out for include David Gordon Green’s horror sequel Halloween Kills, starring Jamie Lee Curtis; Ridley Scott’s period drama The Last Duel, starring Adam Driver, Ben Affleck, Jodie Comer and Matt Damon; and Edgar Wright’s Last Night in Soho with Anya Taylor-Joy.

Topics