In normal years, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Scarlett Johansson, Lady Gaga and more actors would converge on the Lido to the snap of camera shutters and cheers from fans.

This, of course, is not a normal year. The photographers will be fewer in numbers and the fans will be gone. Many top actors are staying away too, leaving the Venice festival as a smaller, more European cinema gathering.

Italy was among the countries hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic — it has Europe’s second-highest confirmed coronavirus death toll after Britain with over 35,400 deaths. The festival, running Sept. 2-12, will serve as a celebration of its re-opening and a sign that the film world, largely on pause since March, is coming back as well.

Despite virus precautions, some Venice mainstays will continue. Water taxis will deliver stars to press conferences and photo calls, where in years past actors like Ralph Fiennes have been compelled to dance and Johnny Depp gave giddy photographers a close-up shot.

The red carpet will be rolled out and the Lido will once again play host to flashy premieres. At the end of it all, some actors and filmmakers will earn trophies.

Whether they decide to kiss the cup remains to be seen.

Actor Gary Oldman arrives at the photo call for 'The Laundromat' during the Venice Film Festival. (Photo AP)

Actor Javier Bardem poses for photographers during the photo call of the film "Loving Pablo" at the Venice Film Festival. (AP Photo)

Actors Ruth Negga, from left, Brad Pitt, Liv Tyler and director James Gray arrive for the photo call of 'Ad Astra' at the Venice Film Festival. (AP Photo)

Actors Claire Foy, from left, Ryan Gosling and Jason Clarke pose for photographers upon arrival at the photo call for 'First Man' at the Venice Film Festival. (AP Photo)

Actress Dakota Johnson poses for her fans as she arrives at the Venice Film Festival. (AP Photo)

Johnny Depp signs autographs for fans as he departs after a photo call for 'Black Mass' at the Venice Film Festival. (Photo AP)