Los Angeles, USA — The 83rd Venice International Film Festival has announced its jury lineup, with Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania and Oscar-winning composer Daniel Blumberg joining a prestigious panel led by actress-director Maggie Gyllenhaal. The festival, set to take place September 2-12, will award the Golden Lion for Best Film and other major prizes, including the Silver Lion for Best Director and the Marcello Mastroianni Award for Best New Young Actor or Actress.
Ben Hania, whose directorial debut The Man from London won the Silver Lion – Grand Jury Prize at last year’s Venice festival, will bring her sharp storytelling to the jury. Her film was also nominated for Best International Feature Film at the 2024 Oscars. Blumberg, known for his haunting score for The Brutalist—which earned him an Oscar in 2023—adds a musical perspective to the panel.
Gyllenhaal, announced as jury president in April, emphasized Venice’s commitment to bold storytelling. “Venice has always supported truthful, singular voices,” she said. “I will not be standing in judgment, but in curiosity, admiration, and excitement.” The selection process was overseen by the Board of Directors of La Biennale di Venezia, on the recommendation of artistic director Alberto Barbera.
Who’s Judging the 2026 Venice Film Festival?
The full jury includes:
- Kaouther Ben Hania (Tunisia), director of The Voice of Hind Rajab (2023 Venice Silver Lion winner) and The Man from London (2024 Oscar nominee)
- Daniel Blumberg (UK), composer of The Brutalist (2023 Oscar winner for Best Original Score)
- Maggie Gyllenhaal (USA), jury president and actress-director of The Lost Daughter (2021 Cannes Jury Prize winner)
- Xavier Giannoli (France), director of L’Interview (1998 Cannes Palme d’Or winner)
- Johnnie To (Hong Kong), action filmmaker and former Venice jury member (2008)
- Shahrbanoo Sadat (Afghanistan), director of Hava, Maryam, Ayesha (2022 Cannes Jury Prize winner)
- Francesco Casetti (Italy), film professor and critic
This diverse group reflects Venice’s global reach, with representatives from Tunisia, the UK, France, Hong Kong, Afghanistan, and Italy. Their collective expertise spans directing, composing, acting, criticism, and academia.
Why This Jury Matters for Arthouse Cinema
The Venice Film Festival, founded in 1932, is one of the “Big Three” alongside Cannes and Berlin, known for its bold programming and support of independent cinema. This year’s jury—particularly with Gyllenhaal at the helm—signals a focus on personal, politically engaged storytelling.
Ben Hania’s inclusion is notable for her work amplifying marginalized voices. Her film The Man from London, about a Tunisian man’s journey to the UK, was praised for its humanistic approach to migration. Meanwhile, Blumberg’s Oscar win for The Brutalist underscores the festival’s appreciation for innovative filmmaking and music.
Gyllenhaal’s statement highlights Venice’s role as a platform for “truthful, singular voices,” a theme that resonates with recent winners like Anatomy of a Fall (2023 Golden Lion) and Poor Things (2023 Best Film at Cannes). The jury’s mix of directors, composers, and critics ensures a well-rounded evaluation of both narrative and technical excellence.
What Prizes Will the Jury Award?
The jury will determine winners across seven categories:
- Golden Lion – Best Film
- Silver Lion – Grand Jury Prize
- Silver Lion for Best Director
- Volpi Cup – Best Actress and Actor
- Special Jury Prize – Best Screenplay
- Marcello Mastroianni Award – Best New Young Actor or Actress
Past winners include Roma (2018 Golden Lion), Parasite (2019), and The Zone of Interest (2023). The festival’s competitive section typically features 18-20 films, with screenings held at the historic Teatro della Tosca and other venues in Venice’s Lido district.
How to Follow the 2026 Venice Film Festival
Official updates and screenings will be available through:
- La Biennale di Venezia’s official website
- Venice Film Festival’s dedicated portal
- Official X/Twitter account
The festival’s opening and closing ceremonies, as well as prize announcements, will be livestreamed and covered extensively by international media. Fans can also expect red carpet arrivals and exclusive interviews with filmmakers and actors.
What Happens Next?
The full competition lineup will be announced in the coming months, with screenings beginning September 2. The festival’s official opening night, featuring the world premiere of the opening film, will take place September 4. Winners will be revealed during the closing ceremony on September 12.
For now, filmmakers and audiences alike are watching closely as this year’s jury—with its blend of artistic visionaries and technical masters—prepares to shape the future of cinema.
Have insights or questions about the jury’s selections? Share your thoughts in the comments below or tag @venicefilmfest on X.