One of the hottest gatherings of Hollywood stars in November is in Vatican City.
From the “The Agony and the Ecstasy” in 1965, to Oscar contender “Conclave” in 2024, the holy city has long been a fascination of screenwriters. Now some of film’s biggest stars will pay a visit to meet with Pope Leo XIV in person as part of a “World of Cinema” event.
Leo, a Chicago native who is the first American pope, will welcome a group of Hollywood luminaries to the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City on Nov. 15 to “deepen dialogue with the world of cinema,” according to a news release by the Vatican.
The meeting comes after Leo released his list of his four favorite films — a group of heartwarming, uplifting movies that also deal with dark subject matter.
Here’s what to know about the Nov. 15 event in Vatican City.
What is the event at the Vatican about?
Pope Leo’s aim is to meet with actors and directors to explore “the possibilities that artistic creativity offers to the mission of the Church and the promotion of human values,” according to a news release by the Vatican.
NBC News Vatican analyst Deborah Lubov spoke on TODAY on Nov. 14 about the goal of the gathering.
“They want to use what they have in common, not focusing on the differences, to work toward common goals and toward the common good,” Lubov said.
What Hollywood stars are on the guest list to meet with Pope Leo XIV?
The guest list includes a blend of star actors and directors as well as an international flair with several European luminaries. It also continues Pope Leo’s audiences with Hollywood legends, as he has previously met with Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The following figures are on the list for the Nov. 15 event, according to the Vatican:
- Judd Apatow, the award-winning director of classic comedies like “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” and “Knocked Up.”
- Cate Blanchett, the two-time Oscar-winning actor.
- Spike Lee, the Oscar-winning director.
- George Miller, the acclaimed director of the “Mad Max” films
- Gus Van Sant, the director of Oscar-nominated films like “Good Will Hunting” and “Milk.”
- Abel Ferrara, the director of gritty ’90s films like “The King of New York” and “Bad Lieutenant.”
The guests also feature a host of Italian cinema and other international stars, including Italian actor Monica Bellucci, Argentine filmmaker Gaspar Noé and Norwegian director Dag Johan Haugerud.
The full list includes Gianni Amelio, Roberto Andò, Francesca Archibugi, Marco Bellocchio, Wang Bing, Stéphane Brizé, Sergio Castellitto, Liliana Cavani, Maria Grazia Cucinotta, Dante Ferretti e Francesca Lo Schiavo, Matteo Garrone, Emir Nemanja Kusturica, Ferzan Özpetek, Paweł Aleksander Pawlikowski, Giacomo Poretti, Stefania Sandrelli, Albert Serra and Giuseppe Tornatore.
What are Pope Leo’s favorite movies?
The pope shared his top four in a video released on Nov. 11 by Variety.
Here are his favorites:
- Frank Capra’s 1964 classic “It’s a Wonderful Life”
- Robert Wise’s iconic 1965 musical “The Sound of Music”
- Robert Redford’s 1980 Oscar-winning drama “Ordinary People”
- Roberto Benigni’s 1997 Oscar-winning comedy-drama “Life Is Beautiful,” which Pope Leo announced by its Italian name, “La Vita è Bella.”
This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY:
