Maggie Gyllenhaal To Lead Venice Film Festival 2026 Competition Jury; Full Panel Announced

The Venice Film Festival has announced the members of its international competition jury for the 2026 edition. The jury will be led by actor and filmmaker Maggie Gyllenhaal and includes filmmakers, writers, artists and academics from across the world.

The Venice Film Festival has officially unveiled the international jury for its 2026 competition section, with actor and filmmaker Maggie Gyllenhaal serving as the jury president.

Joining Gyllenhaal on the panel are Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, English composer and artist Daniel Blumberg, Italian academic Francesco Casetti, French filmmaker Xavier Giannoli, Afghan director Shahrbanoo Sadat, and Hong Kong filmmaker and producer Johnnie To. 

The 83rd edition of the festival will take place from September 2 to September 12, 2026. The event will once again be organised by the La Biennale di Venezia under the artistic direction of Alberto Barbera.

The jury will be responsible for selecting the winners of the festival’s top honours, including the Golden Lion for Best Film, Silver Lion – Grand Jury Prize, Silver Lion for Best Director, Coppa Volpi awards for Best Actress and Best Actor, the Special Jury Prize, Best Screenplay award, and the Marcello Mastroianni Award for Best New Young Actor or Actress.

Industry speculation has already begun around potential contenders for this year’s festival lineup. Films such as Bunker, Wild Horse Nine and Bucking Fastard are among the projects being tipped for a Venice premiere.

The Venice Film Festival remains one of the most important events on the global cinema calendar, often serving as a launchpad for major awards-season contenders and international film discoveries.