The 77th Venice Film Festival will take place as scheduled between September 2 and 12 but with a reduced lineup, becoming the first major film festival not to be cancelled or delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Organizers said on Tuesday that the number of films in the official selection will be reduced to between 50 and 55 films, with the whole program to be announced on July 28. About 20 films will be included in the main competition "Venezia77," which will see Academy Award-winning actress Cate Blanchett presiding over the panel of jury.

The screenings will take place in traditional venues including the historic Palazzo del Cinema, as well as two outdoor arenas at the Giardini della Biennale and a skating rink on the Lido. Safety measures and social distancing will be adopted during the event.

"Without forgetting the countless victims of these past few months to whom due tribute shall be paid, the first international festival following the forced interruption dictated by the pandemic becomes the meaningful celebration of the re-opening we all looked forward to, and a message of concrete optimism for the entire world of cinema which has suffered greatly from this crisis," said festival Director Alberto Barbera.

Last week, the European Union announced it is reopening its border to nationals from 14 countries, including Australia, Canada, Japan, and South Korea, but the list excluded the United States. Barbera said the invited filmmakers and actors blocked by travel restrictions will attend the festival virtually.