William Burroughs

Stars from Angelina Jolie to George Clooney gather this week at the Venice Film Festival, bringing a high dose of Hollywood pizzazz back to the watery city's sandy Lido.

With 21 films vying for the top Golden Lion prize, the 81st edition of the prestigious festival kicks off today, with Lady Gaga, Daniel Craig and Brad Pitt expected on the red carpet during the 10-day affair.

With two films by Greek creators, a highly anticipated movie featuring Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas, and a swarm of celebrities arriving on August 28th for their customary pilgrimage on the red carpet of the oldest film festival in the world, the new season kicks off