Ponyo has already received glowing praise, with the Hollywood Reporter describing it as "a refreshing thirst-quencher in a thus far dry line-up".

BBC: Venice date for animation master

One memorable sequence in Ponyo sees its eponymous heroine, a goldfish who longs to become human, ride to the shore on a gigantic tidal wave.

BBC: Venice date for animation master

Among the favourites for the Golden Lion are Japanese directors Takeshi Kitano, with Achilles and the Tortoise, and Hayao Miyasaki, for the animated feature Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea.

BBC: Pitt and Clooney at Venice debut

Tilda is only in town for a few days but is hoping to catch Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea, the latest feature from Japanese anime guru Hayao Miyazaki, while she's here.

BBC: Reporter's log: Venice 2008