Editor's Note: As one of the Big Three film festivals, alongside the Cannes Film Festival and Berlin International Film Festival, the Venice International Film Festival is acclaimed around the world for giving creators the artistic freedom to express themselves through film.

Founded in Italy in 1932, it represents the world's oldest film festival, also part of the Venice Biennale, an exhibition covering Italian and international art, architecture, dance, music, theater and cinema.

Actress Ni Ni attends the opening gala of the 76th edition of the Venice Film Festival, Venice, Italy, on Aug 28, 2019. [Photo/IC]

Many Chinese films and filmmakers have claimed major awards at the festival. A City of Sadness by Taiwan director Hou Hsiao-hsien was the first Chinese film to snatch the festival's top prize, the Golden Lion Award for Best Picture. The Story of Qiu Ju, directed by Zhang Yimou, later won the Golden Lion as well as Best Actress in 1992.

The 2019 Venice International Film Festival takes place Aug 28 to Sept 7. Let's have a look at the star-studded red carpet of the opening gala on Wednesday.

Model Candice Swanepoel poses for photographers upon arrival at the opening gala of the 76th edition of the Venice Film Festival, Venice, Italy, on Aug 28, 2019. [Photo/IC]

Actress Zhong Chuxi attends the opening gala of the 76th edition of the Venice Film Festival, Venice, Italy, on Aug 28, 2019. [Photo/IC]

Model Martha Hunt poses for photographers upon arrival at the opening gala of the 76th edition of the Venice Film Festival, Venice, Italy, on Aug 28, 2019. [Photo/IC]

Actor Nicholas Hoult attends the opening gala of the 76th edition of the Venice Film Festival, Venice, Italy, on Aug 28, 2019. [Photo/IC]

Model Elsa Hosk poses for photographers upon arrival at the opening gala of the 76th edition of the Venice Film Festival, Venice, Italy, on Aug 28, 2019. [Photo/IC]

Actress Stacy Martin attends the opening gala of the 76th edition of the Venice Film Festival, Venice, Italy, on Aug 28, 2019. [Photo/IC]

Model Gabrielle Caunesil walks down the red carpet at the opening gala of the 76th edition of the Venice Film Festival, Venice, Italy, on Aug 28, 2019. [Photo/IC]

Actress Juliette Binoche poses for photographers upon arrival at the opening gala of the 76th edition of the Venice Film Festival, Venice, Italy, on Aug 28, 2019. [Photo/IC]

Barbara Palvin walks down the red carpet at the opening gala of the 76th edition of the Venice Film Festival, Venice, Italy, on Aug 28, 2019. [Photo/IC]

Director Francesco Carrozzini and model Iman, widow of the late singer David Bowie, at the opening gala of the 76th edition of the Venice Film Festival, Venice, Italy, on Aug 28, 2019. [Photo/IC]

Model Isabeli Fontana poses for photographers upon arrival at the opening gala of the 76th edition of the Venice Film Festival, Venice, Italy, on Aug 28, 2019. [Photo/IC]

Fashion blogger Giulia Valentina attends the opening gala of the 76th edition of the Venice Film Festival, Venice, Italy, on Aug 28, 2019. [Photo/IC]