Distinguished Figures Join Venice Film Festival Jury Presided by Maggie Gyllenhaal
Entertainment

Distinguished Figures Join Venice Film Festival Jury Presided by Maggie Gyllenhaal

authorBy Ricky Gervais
DateJun 22, 2026
Read Time2 min
The Venice Film Festival, a beacon of global cinema, has announced the full composition of its main jury for the upcoming edition. This year's panel brings together a distinguished group of international film talents who will deliberate under the leadership of renowned actress and filmmaker Maggie Gyllenhaal, promising an insightful and diverse perspective on contemporary filmmaking.

Celebrating Cinematic Excellence: A Global Assembly of Visionaries

Esteemed Directors Return to the Lido's Judging Panel

Hong Kong's filmmaking titan, Johnnie To, marks his return to the Venice jury, having previously contributed his expertise in 2008. To's profound connection with the festival is further evidenced by the premiere of four of his significant works, including 'Throw Down' and 'Life Without Principle,' on the Lido.

Acclaimed Voices Bring Fresh Perspectives to the Jury

Joining To are other prominent figures in global cinema, including Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania, whose film 'The Voice of Hind Rajab' received critical acclaim and a Silver Lion at last year's festival. Afghan filmmaker Shahrbanoo Sadat, known for her unique blend of romance, politics, and humor in films like 'No Good Men,' which debuted at the Berlin Film Festival, also brings her distinctive vision to the panel. Her previous features, 'Wolf and Sheep' and 'The Orphanage,' were celebrated at Cannes.

Rounding Out the Diverse Panel of Jurors

The jury is further strengthened by the inclusion of French director and screenwriter Xavier Giannoli, a three-time Golden Lion contender with works such as 'Marguerite' and 'Lost Illusions.' British composer Daniel Blumberg, an Oscar winner for his score in 'The Brutalist,' and Italian film academic Francesco Casetti, a Sterling Professor of Humanities and Film and Media Studies at Yale, complete the impressive lineup, ensuring a broad range of artistic and scholarly insights.

Recognizing Excellence: The Awards at Stake

This esteemed jury holds the crucial responsibility of bestowing the festival's highest honors. Their duties extend beyond the coveted Golden Lion for Best Film to include the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize, the Silver Lion for Best Director, the Coppa Volpi for both Best Actress and Best Actor, a Special Jury Prize, an award for Best Screenplay, and the Marcello Mastroianni Award, which recognizes emerging young talent in acting.

Anticipation Builds for the 83rd Venice Film Festival

The 83rd edition of the Venice Film Festival is scheduled to unfold from September 2nd to September 12th. Film enthusiasts and industry professionals eagerly await the full program announcement, set for July 23rd, which will unveil the cinematic treasures vying for these prestigious awards.

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