‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ Joins San Sebastian Festival Roster as Surprise Film

Todd Phillips’ villainous musical sequel “Joker: Folie à Deux” will play at the San Sebastian Festival as the surprise film of the ongoing 72nd edition.

The movie, starring Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix, world premiered at the Venice Film Festival where it earned an 11-minute standing ovation, and had its North American premiere at Toronto. It will screen tomorrow (Saturday) at San Sebastian, in two showings.

More from Variety

• AI Dominated Every Conversation at the 5th Zinemaldia & Technology Startup Challenge, Where Sonic Alchemist, Dubme Took Top Prizes

• Valencia Lures Major International Shoots With Ambitious Growth Plan

• Ethics, Exile and Eric Cantona: Compelling New Projects Shine at San Sebastian's 20th Lau Haizetara Co-Production Forum

“Folie à Deux” is the follow-up to Phillips’ 2019 film “Joker,” which also premiered at Venice and won the fest’s prestigious Golden Lion, before being added to the San Sebastian Film Festival’s lineup as a surprise film.

“Joker” became the sixth-highest grossing film of the year and won the Academy Awards for best actor for Phoenix’s performance and original score for Hildur Guenadóttir. It received a total of 11 Oscar nominations, including for best picture, becoming the first DC Comics film to do so.

In “Folie à Deux,” Phoenix returns as Arthur Fleck, “now a patient at Arkham State Hospital, falls in love with music therapist Lee (Gaga). As the duo experiences musical madness through their shared delusions, Arthur’s followers start a movement to liberate him,” according to the official synopsis.

More to come.

Best of Variety

• All the Godzilla Movies Ranked

• Final Oscar Predictions: International Feature – United Kingdom to Win Its First Statuette With 'The Zone of Interest'

• 'Game of Thrones' Filming Locations in Northern Ireland to Open as Tourist Attractions

Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.