The Venice Film Festival is usually all about glitz, premieres, and star-studded red carpets.
But this year, politics is taking center stage even before the cameras start flashing.
Israeli actress Gal Gadot, best known globally for her role as Wonder Woman, has decided not to attend the festival following intense controversy and pressure linked to the war in Gaza.
A Star Missing From Her Own Premiere
Gadot, 40, was set to appear for the premiere of her new film In The Hand of Dante, in which she stars alongside Gerard Butler.
However, both actors have faced criticism over what campaigners see as their support for Israel.
Fears quickly grew that her presence could spark protests, turning the festival into a political battleground rather than a celebration of cinema.
Security Already on High Alert
Festival organizers were already bracing for disruption, with a heavy police presence, bag checks, and body scanners surrounding Venice’s main cinema venues.
But the risk of Gadot becoming a “lightning rod” for demonstrations has now been avoided, as festival director Alberto Barbero confirmed that she will not be attending.
Campaigners Demand Boycotts
Activist group Artists 4 Palestine had publicly demanded that both Gadot and Butler’s invitations be withdrawn, arguing that no platform should be given to anyone seen as supporting Israel’s military actions.
Their statement went as far as accusing some celebrities of supporting “genocide.”
Despite this, Barbero stood firm, insisting the Biennale remains a place of openness and debate.
“We do not censor anybody,” he said, though he also expressed “huge sadness” at the suffering of civilians, especially children, caught up in the conflict in Gaza.
Political Voices Weigh In
The issue has quickly spilled into politics. Isabella De Monte, a Forza Italia MP, backed the festival’s decision to resist boycotts.
She argued that culture thrives on dialogue and warned against punishing Gadot “simply for being Israeli.”
She added that the festival “deserves respect” and should not be reduced to a protest ground.
A Divisive Opening for Hollywood
The controversy looks set to dominate the festival’s opening days, with demonstrations already scheduled.
The row also reflects broader divisions in Hollywood.
While Gadot and Butler face criticism, other major stars have thrown their support behind a Palestinian perspective.
Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, and Rooney Mara have all signed on as executive producers for The Voice of Hind Rajab, another film premiering in Venice.
Directed by Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, the project tells the true story of Hind Rajab, a young Palestinian girl killed alongside her family in Gaza last year.
The film even includes the haunting real audio from Hind’s final phone call before her death.
Hind Rajab’s Story
Rajab’s case became a global symbol of the war, sparking protests as far away as Columbia University, where students renamed a campus building Hind’s Hall.
Her tragic story, now brought to the screen, is expected to fuel debate and emotion at Venice alongside the political storm surrounding Gadot.
Gadot Reflects on Snow White Failure
Away from Venice, Gadot recently spoke on an Israeli talk show about the disappointing box office results of Disney’s Snow White, in which she played the Evil Queen.
The movie grossed $200 million worldwide, far short of its $270 million production budget and additional $80 million marketing costs.
She admitted she was stunned by the failure: “I was positive the movie was going to be a huge hit,” she said, before linking its struggles to the backlash celebrities faced after October 7th, when many came under pressure to denounce Israel publicly.
Despite her disappointment, Gadot struck a pragmatic note: “You win some, you lose some.”
Politics Overshadowing Cinema
This year’s Venice Film Festival was meant to shine a spotlight on cinema.
Instead, it has become a reflection of the wider world—where art, politics, and identity collide.
Whether Gadot’s absence eases tensions or further fuels debate, one thing is clear: the conversation in Venice is no longer just about films.
