Lady Gaga-Joaquin Phoenix’s ‘Joker 2’ Gets Epic Standing Ovation; Singer Arrives With Fiancé in Venice

Romance is in the air in Venice.

Just hours after arriving at the Venice International Film Festival with her ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ partners—co-star Joaquin Phoenix and director Todd Phillips—Lady Gaga made a dazzling entrance at the film’s premiere.

Accompanied by her fiancé, tech philanthropy executive Michael Polansky, Gaga turned heads and set the stage for an unforgettable night at the festival!

She donned a sleek sleeveless black Christian Dior Haute Couture ball gown, paired with dazzling Tiffany & Co. diamonds, including a bold pendant necklace. She completed the look with a dramatic black lace headpiece by Philip Treacy.

Todd Phillips’ highly anticipated sequel to his 2019 Golden Lion-winning Joker, made its grand debut at the Venice Film Festival, earning an impressive 11-minute standing ovation.

Phoenix was the first to leave the stage, while Gaga stayed a little longer with Phillips, soaking in the moment.

More about the movie

The crime drama with musical elements follows Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) as he remains institutionalized at Arkham State Hospital, awaiting trial for his actions as the Joker. While struggling with his fractured identity, Arthur finds unexpected love in Harley Quinn (Lady Gaga) and uncovers the music that has always been a part of him. Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, Jacob Lofland, and Harry Lawtey join the cast, with Zazie Beetz returning as Sophie from the first film.

Director Todd Phillips revealed that the idea to infuse the sequel with music was something he had discussed with Phoenix during the making of the original.

‘If you recall, Arthur has a musicality in the first film—he often dances to express his emotions. Hildur Guðnadóttir’s score even became like a character in itself,’ Phillips explained. ‘So when the sequel started shaping up with musical elements, we thought, why not bring in Lady Gaga, who naturally brings music with her.’

Gaga, however, clarified that Joker: Folie à Deux isn’t exactly a musical. ‘It’s very different... The music serves as a way for the characters to express themselves when dialogue alone isn't enough.’

‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ premieres internationally on October 2, with a domestic release on October 4.

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