Everything you need to know about the 2026 Venice Film Festival

Key Points:

• The 83rd Venice Film Festival, one of the world's oldest and most prestigious film festivals, begins on September 6 and runs through September 12, featuring a star-studded lineup and films that often influence the Oscars race.
• George Clooney and Ellen Burstyn will receive lifetime achievement awards, while notable films include Martin McDonagh’s “Wild Horse Nine,” Robert Pattinson’s “Primetime,” and documentaries like Alex Gibney’s “Musk.”
• The festival faces controversies, including criticism over the inclusion of Ilya Khrzhanovsky’s “DAU,” alleged links to Russian state influence, and concerns about gender representation, with only one female-directed film in competition this year.
• The festival takes place on Venice’s Lido island, a historic and scenic location, with celebrities often arriving by private water taxis and staying at luxury hotels such as the Hotel Excelsior and Hotel Cipriani.
• Maggie Gyllenhaal leads the main competition jury, which will announce the Golden Lion award winners on September 12, continuing Venice’s significant role in launching films for the Oscars season.