"The Ides of March," George Clooney's political thriller that filmed in Ann Arbor and the Detroit area earlier this year, has been chosen for the opening slot in the prestigious Venice Film Festival, according to a report from Variety.

Variety, the respected show-business news outlet, reports that "Ides" will screen Aug. 31 in Venice.

It's another good sign for the movie, which is set during a presidential campaign: Although it won't open until Oct. 7, early buzz has already identified it as a favorite for the Academy Awards.

"Ides" filmed around Detroit and in Ann Arbor earlier this year, including shoots at the University of Michigan's Power Center, the Arthur Miller Theatre and the Michigan League Ballroom.

Read the full story from Variety here.