By Crispian Palmer

ROME, July 23 (Reuters) - Hollywood's presence at this year's Venice Film Festival has declined, with organizers announcing on Thursday a selection of films made with a more independent mindset, leaning towards auteur cinema rather than the big-budget studio films that dominated previous editions.

But even if major American producers decide to stay away from Venice, just as they did at the Cannes Film Festival in May, the festival is on track to maintain its status as one of the premiere platforms for film industry luminaries.

A host of stars, including George Clooney, Robert Pattinson, John Malkovich, Penelope Cruz and Rooney Mara, are expected to walk the red carpet in Venice, while Liam and Noel Gallagher will bring a touch of rock and roll to the world's oldest film festival to launch a documentary about their band, Oasis.

The 2026 program includes new films from a host of prominent directors, including Martin McDonagh, Florian Zeller, Danny Boyle, Werner Herzog, and Hirokazu Kore-eda, who will compete for the Golden Lion award during the event, which will take place from September 2nd to 12th.

* Record participation requests despite the absence of major companies

Festival director Alberto Barbera did not address Hollywood's muted presence this year, but said his team received a record 4,500 nominations, demonstrating that cinema remains a firmly established cultural force worldwide.

He said, "I don't think there is any other artistic and expressive form capable of performing an aesthetic, cultural, and social function with the power and appeal of cinema."

Major American production companies and streaming platforms like Netflix used to flock to Europe's biggest film festivals, but limited budgets and production slowdowns have dampened their enthusiasm. Insiders say these entities are also wary of the harsh criticism that led to the Joker sequel's flop at the 2024 Venice Film Festival.

Only one female director is competing in the main competition.

Among the most anticipated films at the festival are Werner Herzog's Packing Fast, starring sisters Rooney Mara and Kate Mara; Casey Affleck's Company; and Lance Oppenheim's Prime Time, in which Pattinson plays a journalist who gets drawn into the underworld of crime.

Among the 20 films in the festival's competition, there is one film directed by a woman, Mai El-Toukhy, who will be premiering her Danish drama film (Woman in Noon).