CLOONEY AND NETFLIX TEAM UP FOR COMEDY 'JAY KELLY'

Hollywood stars and Netflix took the spotlight on the second day of the prestigious Venice film festival, with George Clooney, Adam Sandler and Emma Stone in high-profile premieres.

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The actor -- who entertained crowds in Venice alongside costar Brad Pitt at the premiere of “Wolfs” last year -- returned to the watery city for the unveiling of the comedy “Jay Kelly” from director Noah Baumbach.

Clooney had little research to do for the role which sees him play a famous Hollywood actor, albeit one going through an identity crisis, with Sandler playing his manager.

The film is the first of three Netflix-produced features at the festival, with the heavy-hitting US streaming giant seen as desperate to find a strong contender for a first Best Picture award at the next Oscars. Its big hope at this year’s ceremony -- “Emilia Perez” -- saw its campaign for Academy Award glory derailed by a racism scandal involving leading actor Karla Sofia Gascon.