Venice film festival 2011: Madonna's royal W.E. takes a bow – in pictures

OK, folks, the moment we've all been waiting for. Here's Andrea Riseborough and James D'Arcy in Madonna's feature debut W.E. It cannot get any more exciting, surely? Photograph: PR

But it can! Could it be...? What an amazing coincidence! Madonna herself appears to be visiting the city of Venice, at the exact same time they are holding a photocall for her film
Photograph: Jacopo Raule/Getty Images

Scratching her head at the freakiness of it all, Madonna stumbles over the festival's resident posse of journalists and photographers, who simply can't believe their luck Photograph: Domenico Stinellis/AP

This way, ma'am. Madonna decides to accept the situation, and graciously consents to a photograph or two Photograph: ALESSANDRO BIANCHI/REUTERS

Finally, someone she knows! Madonna gratefully hugs actor Oscar Isaac. Fancy meeting you here ... Photograph: Frederic Nebinger/Getty Images

It's all hugs now. Madonna crushes Abbie Cornish to her bosom. Fortunately, one or two photographers are on hand to capture the moment Photograph: ALESSANDRO BIANCHI/REUTERS

No doubt about it, Madonna looks up for a fight. She better not bump into our man on the Lido, Xan Brooks, after his scathing review Photograph: ALESSANDRO BIANCHI/REUTERS

Sorry, who are this lot again? Oh, they're only the actors. Left to right we have: Oscar Isaac, Abbie Cornish, Andrea Riseborough and James D'Arcy. In case anyone's interested
Photograph: Alberto Pizzoli/AFP/Getty Images