Is official: Venice Biennale Jury 2026 Film Festival.
Hey travelers, some pretty exciting news just landed in the world of international cinema - the team at La Biennale di Venezia has finally announced who'll be on the International Jury for Venezia 83, the 2026 Venice International Film Festival. And what's more, all the details are in place for the 83rd edition of the festival, which kicks off September 2nd to the 12th next year on the fabulous Lido di Venezia. If you're not already aware, this is one of the most prestigious film events on the planet, and the jury members will be the ones handing out the coveted Golden Lion and the other top prizes.
Let’s find out in this post by Venice Insider Guide.
Official: Venice Biennale Jury 2026 Film Festival 83
La Biennale di Venezia has actually just made the announcement themselves, unveiling the lineup of the International Jury of the Venice Film Festival 2026 that'll be evaluating all the main competition films and choosing the winners of some of the most coveted awards in the industry.
So it's official, the 83rd Venice International Film Festival will get underway on the Lido of Venice from September 2 to September 12, 2026, under the expert eye of Artistic Director Alberto Barbera.
La Biennale di Venezia has now made public the names of the jury members for the main competition of Venezia 83, bringing together a crack team of 7 film folk from all over the world, each with their own unique perspective on the world of cinema, from acting to writing, music, and more.
You can expect Maggie Gyllenhaal to be in the driving seat - the acclaimed actress, writer, and director will be president of the jury.
Who Is on the Jury of the Venice Film Festival 2026?
The International Jury of Venezia 83 consists of seven distinguished personalities representing different areas of cinema and culture.
The full list of members of the Venice Biennale Jury 2026 Film Festival is:
- Maggie Gyllenhaal - Jury President
- Kaouther Ben Hania
- Daniel Blumberg
- Francesco Casetti
- Xavier Giannoli
- Shahrbanoo Sadat
- Johnnie To
The jury of the Venice Film Festival 2026 reflects the festival’s long-standing international vision, bringing together voices from Europe, Asia, North America, and the Middle East.
Venice Biennale Jury 2026 Film Festival: Complete List
Maggie Gyllenhaal is the president of the Venice Film Festival Biennale Jury 2026, and the jury member are:
- Kaouther Ben Hania
- Daniel Blumberg
- Francesco Casetti
- Xavier Giannoli
- Shahrbanoo Sadat
- Johnnie To
The jury will be responsible for evaluating all films in competition and selecting the recipients of the festival’s most prestigious honors, including the Golden Lion for Best Film.
Why Is This Jury Important for Venezia 83?
The composition of the jury of the Biennale Cinema 2026 is always one of the most hotly anticipated moments of the Venice Film Festival. With a panel like this, made up of folks from all sorts of different artistic backgrounds, you know the competing films will get a far-reaching and really well-rounded evaluation.
This year's lineup brings together expertise in filmmaking, screenwriting, film theory, music composition, and international storytelling - it's a really balanced perspective on the state of cinema.
Biography and Profile of the Venice Film Festival 2026
Who is the jury of the Venice Film Festival 2026? Here’s the biography and description.
Maggie Gyllenhaal
Academy Award-nominated actress, writer and acclaimed director Maggie Gyllenhaal has made waves in the film world with her directing debut The Lost Daughter. As president of the International Jury for Venezia 83, she'll be leading the way.
Kaouther Ben Hania
Tunisian director and screenwriter Kaouther Ben Hania has built a reputation as a trailblazer in her field, with films that tackle tough social and political themes in a completely unique way.
Daniel Blumberg
British composer, musician and visual artist Daniel Blumberg has made a real name for himself with his innovative and imaginative creative output. His input will add a really valuable perspective on the role of music in film.
Francesco Casetti
Francesco Casetti is a leading film scholar with a global reputation for his research on film theory, visual culture and the way the industry has evolved in the digital age.
Xavier Giannoli
French director and screenwriter Xavier Giannoli has impressed audiences with his sophisticated storytelling and compelling characters at major film festivals across the world.
Shahrbanoo Sadat
Afghan filmmaker Shahrbanoo Sadat is one of the biggest new talents in world cinema right now, celebrated for her powerful portrayals of Afghan society.
Johnnie To
Johnnie To is a legendary figure in Hong Kong cinema, known for his gripping crime thrillers and action films - he's also had a huge influence on modern Asian filmmaking..
Venice 83: Key Dates to Remember
When Will the Festival Take Place?
The 83rd Venice International Film Festival will run from September 2 to September 12, 2026.
Where Is the Festival Held?
The event takes place on the historic Lido di Venezia, the long-standing home of the Venice Film Festival.
Who Is the Artistic Director?
The festival is directed by Alberto Barbera, who continues to oversee one of the most influential film festivals in the world.
More About the Venice Film Festival Experience
Why Visit Venice During the Film Festival?
The Venice Film Festival transforms the city into a global cultural hub. Visitors can experience a unique atmosphere filled with international stars, world premieres, exclusive events, and a vibrant artistic scene.
What Makes the Venice Film Festival Special?
Founded in 1932, the Venice Film Festival is the oldest film festival in the world and remains a benchmark for cinematic excellence. Winning a prize in Venice often positions films for international recognition and awards season success.
Venice Beyond the Red Carpet
While the spotlight shines on the Lido, travelers can also explore Venice’s timeless attractions, including St. Mark’s Square, the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge, and the city’s charming hidden neighborhoods.
FAQs
1. Who is the President of the Venice Film Festival 2026 Jury?
Maggie Gyllenhaal serves as President of the International Jury for Venezia 83.
2. How many members are on the jury?
The jury consists of seven members.
3. When is the Venice Film Festival 2026?
The festival runs from September 2 to September 12, 2026.
4. Where does the festival take place?
The event is held on the Lido di Venezia in Venice, Italy.
5. Who awards the Golden Lion?
The International Jury of Venezia 83 selects the winner of the Golden Lion.
6. Which Italian representative is on the jury?
Film scholar Francesco Casetti represents Italy.
7. Is Johnnie To part of the jury?
Yes, the acclaimed Hong Kong filmmaker is an official jury member.
8. What is Maggie Gyllenhaal’s role?
She chairs the jury and leads the deliberation process for the festival awards.
9. Which edition of the festival is taking place in 2026?
The 2026 event marks the 83rd edition of the Venice International Film Festival.
10. Does the jury include professionals outside directing?
Yes. The panel includes composer Daniel Blumberg and film scholar Francesco Casetti, among others.
11. Is the jury lineup official?
Yes. The composition was officially announced by La Biennale di Venezia.
12. What awards will the jury present?
The jury will award the Golden Lion and the festival’s other official prizes.
Conclusion
The announcement of the Venice Biennale Jury 2026 Film Festival is just another sign of how highly the Venice Film Festival is regarded around the world.
With Maggie Gyllenhaal at the helm and a panel that includes some of the biggest names in film, people are going to be talking about this festival for months to come.
If you're planning a trip to Venice in September 2026 - and we can highly recommend it - then this is a unique chance to experience the city as a global hub of film culture. From the glamour of the red carpet to the excitement of world premieres and some unforgettable cultural experiences, Venice is going to be on top of the world once again.
Continue following us for more stories, updates, and insider travel tips on Venice Insider Guide.