Italian actress Vittoria Puccini, the host of the 68th Venice International Film Festival, poses on the beach on the eve of the opening of the festival on August 30, 2011. Twenty-two films -- all world premieres -- will compete for the prestigious Golden Lion award, with a host of stars expected on the red carpet from September 1 to 11, from the blue-eyed Clooney to US singer Madonna and "The Godfather" star Al Pacino. AFP PHOTO / GIUSEPPE CACACE