Ethan Hawke, Sigourney Weaver, Peter Weir and More to Deliver Venice Masterclasses

Venice Film Festival attendees will be treated to masterclasses from Ethan Hawke, Sigourney Weaver, Peter Weir and more.

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As previously announced, both Weaver and Weir are receiving Golden Lion for Career Achievement awards at this year’s festival. Oscar-nominated actor Weaver is best known for her roles in the “Alien” and “Avatar” franchises, while retired director Weir has collected various accolades for his films like “Dead Poets Society,” “The Truman Show” and “Master and Commander.”

Hawke had his breakthrough performance in “Dead Poets Society,” and went on to star in Richard Linklater’s “Before” trilogy and “Boyhood” as well as Paul Schrader’s “First Reformed.” Also set to give a masterclass is director Pupi Avati, who helmed Venice’s closing film “L’orto Americano” and is also known for his horror films “The House With Laughing Windows” and “Zeder.”

Three conversations will also take place, organized by festival sponsor Cartier. These will comprise composer Nicola Piovani, who won an Oscar for scoring “Life Is Beautiful,” in conversation with director and screenwriter Cristina Comencini; director Claude Lelouch, who is receiving this year’s Cartier Glory to the Filmmaker Award and helms out-of-competition movie “Finalement,” in conversation with the film’s star Barbara Pravi; and Richard Gere, who most recently starred in Paul Schrader’s “Oh Canada,” in conversation with Italian voice actor Mario Cordova.

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To accommodate more guests, the masterclasses and conversations have moved to the Match Point Arena, which is located at the Tennis Club Venezia on the Lido.

The 81st Venice Film Festival runs from Aug. 28 to Sept. 7.

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