Polanski to stay away from Venice film fest

Clooney, Pacino, Madonna films to enter award competition

ROME - George Clooney, Madonna, and Al Pacino will grace the red carpet at this year's Venice film festival, but cult director Roman Polanski is staying away out of fear of extradition, organizers said on Thursday.

Twenty-two films - all world premieres - will compete for the prestigious Golden Lion award including an adaptation of manga classic Himizu by celebrated Japanese director Sion Sono.