The buzz that took over the Lido of Venice this September 2026 is a clear sign of the vitality of the world’s oldest film festival. For its 83rd edition, the Mostra was in excellent shape, recording a 14% increase in public ticket sales compared to the previous year, for a total of 117,656 admissions. Under the artistic direction of Alberto Barbera, from September 2 to 12, the Palazzo del Cinema once again became the epicenter of a rare convergence between the big screen, haute couture, and leading figures in contemporary culture. This year, the proceedings were entrusted to a duo of Italian masters of ceremony, Greta Scarano and Nicolas Maupas, who were tasked with setting the pace for the opening and closing nights of a fifteen-day festival marked by heartfelt tributes and a competition of great dramatic intensity.
The Year of George Clooney: A Golden Lion and a Constant Presence
The highlight of this year’s festival revolved around George Clooney. The American actor, director, and producer received the Golden Lion for his lifetime achievement, an honor recognizing a career inextricably linked to the modern history of Venice. The tribute speech, the traditional laudatio, was delivered on stage by Laura Dern, who skillfully traced Clooney’s influence on the Hollywood industry. The actor did not come alone to the Palazzo del Cinema; he was accompanied by Amal Clooney, forming the most closely watched couple in the lagoon. Beyond the customary tribute, George Clooney was there to promote specific projects, notably the film *Furies*, which he is producing, as well as the out-of-competition screening of *Jay Kelly*.
At his side, another legendary figure of American cinema was honored with the Lion of Honor: Ellen Burstyn. In Venice, the actress demonstrated the depth of her range, joining a lineage of honorees whose careers have spanned decades with unwavering dedication.
The British Opening and World Premieres
The inaugural red carpet was graced by the cast of the film *Ink*, directed by Danny Boyle. This choice for the opening brought together a top-tier British and international cast. Guy Pearce, Jack O’Connell, and Claire Foy led the procession, followed by Jonathan Bailey and Nicholas Galitzine. This opening set the tone for a lineup in which big names didn’t hesitate to make an appearance. Robert Pattinson drew one of the largest crowds of fans at the premiere of *Primetime*, the new film by Lance Oppenheim.
The couple Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem also made their mark on this 83rd edition. Having come for the screening of *Bunker*, Florian Zeller’s latest drama, they reaffirmed their loyalty to the Lido. Meanwhile, Casey Affleck presented his project titled *Company*, accompanied by actresses Emily Alyn Lind and Adelaide Clemens. Rooney Mara, Kate Mara, and Russell Crowe were also spotted on the waterfront, attending the official screenings and various events that punctuate the festival’s ten-day run.
The Venezia 83 Awards: Malkovich and Arcel Take Top Honors
The jury for the main competition, chaired by American actress and director Maggie Gyllenhaal, reached its verdict after screening the films in the official selection. Maggie Gyllenhaal was joined by figures from diverse backgrounds, such as Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania, British composer Daniel Blumberg, Italian film theorist Francesco Casetti, as well as directors Xavier Giannoli (France), Shahrbanoo Sadat (Afghanistan), and Johnnie To (Hong Kong).
The awards highlighted outstanding acting performances. John Malkovich won the Volpi Cup for Best Actor for his role in *Wild Horse Nine*, directed by Martin McDonagh. Among the women, Mathilde Arcel took top honors. She received the Volpi Cup for Best Actress for her performance in *Woman Unknown* (*Kvinde Ukendt*), directed by May el-Toukhy. The film also won the Mostra’s top prize, the Golden Lion for Best Film.
In the other sections, the Orizzonti jury, led by French director Valérie Donzelli and including Peter Becker, Elizabeth Lo, David Pablos, and Barbara Ronchi, explored new aesthetic trends. The Luigi De Laurentiis Prize for Best Debut Film was overseen by a jury chaired by Carolina Cavalli, assisted by Akinola Davies Jr. and Ted Hope.
Fashion, Sports, and Philanthropy
Venice in September isn’t limited to the screening rooms. The Lido is a meeting place for personalities from diverse backgrounds. For the first time in her career, Kendall Jenner walked the Venetian red carpet, drawing particular attention at the gala for the film *Wild Horse Nine*. The music world was represented by Colombian singer J Balvin, who was present from the opening day, while the world of elite sports made an appearance on the red carpet with Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz, who came to attend the official screenings alongside Rebecca Donaldson.
The festival’s philanthropic aspect centered on the amfAR Venezia 2026 gala. On this occasion, Pamela Anderson received the Award of Courage in recognition of her public commitment. The glamour unique to the City of the Doges was enhanced by a contingent of models and international celebrities: Alessandra Ambrosio, Bianca Balti, Irina Shayk, Nina Dobrev, and Sydney Sweeney made their arrivals by water taxi. Italian actresses Matilde Gioli and Alice Basso, along with Madison Rian and Bhavitha Mandava, rounded out this cosmopolitan lineup.
With 14,000 accreditations issued and 3,000 industry professionals gathered at the Venice Production Bridge, the festival reaffirmed its role as a hub for the global film industry. Beyond the glitz and camera flashes, the 2026 Mostra has above all demonstrated its ability to attract an ever-growing audience to works of pure creativity.