Lady Gaga, Joaquin Phoenix bring ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ to Venice Film Festival

AP Film Writer

VENICE, Italy (AP) — Five years after “Joker” won the top prize at the Venice Film Festival, director Todd Phillips can’t help but be a little nervous about returning with its sequel. “Joker: Folie à Deux” is one of the most anticipated films of the 81st edition of the festival. Its world premiere Wednesday drew stars Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, who dazzled on the red carpet with her gown and an elaborate headpiece. The Joker sequel is competing again for the festival’s main prizes against the likes of Pedro Almodóvar’s “The Room Next Door,” Luca Guadagnino’s “Queer.” Pablo Larraín’s “Maria” and Halina Reijn’s “Babygirl.”