Maggie Gyllenhaal to Lead the Jury at Venice Film Festival 2026
Maggie Gyllenhaal Named Jury President for 83rd Venice Film Festival
Maggie Gyllenhaal has been appointed as the Jury President for the 83rd Venice Film Festival, scheduled to take place from September 2 to 12. This announcement marks a significant addition to the festival, following notable jurors such as Alexander Payne (2025), Isabelle Huppert (2024), and Damien Chazelle (2023).
The decision was made by the Board of Directors of La Biennale di Venezia, based on recommendations from Venice Film Festival Director Alberto Barbera. Barbera, whose mandate was recently extended through the 2028 editions of the festival, emphasized the importance of Gyllenhaal’s role.
In a statement, Gyllenhaal expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “I am thrilled to accept the invitation to lead this year’s Venice Film Festival jury. Venice has always supported truthful, singular voices and I am honored to play a part in continuing that brave and necessary tradition. I will not be standing in judgement, but in curiosity, admiration and excitement.”
Barbera praised Gyllenhaal’s diverse career, noting her frequent participation in the festival. “Maggie Gyllenhaal embodies an artistic path of uncommon consistency, constructed over time with intelligence and courage,” he remarked. He highlighted her ability to portray complex characters and her successful transition to directing with The Lost Daughter, which won the Best Screenplay award in Venice in 2021. Her latest work, The Bride! (2026), further cements her reputation as a distinct voice in filmmaking.
Gyllenhaal will arrive at the festival after the release of The Bride!, a Frankenstein-inspired project she wrote, produced, and directed. Her directorial debut came with the adaptation of Elena Ferrante’s The Lost Daughter, featuring a star-studded cast that includes Olivia Colman and Dakota Johnson.
Renowned for her acting roles in films such as Secretary (2002) and Crazy Heart (2009), which earned her an Oscar nomination, Gyllenhaal’s filmography also includes well-received performances in Donnie Darko (2001) and The Dark Knight (2008).
The composition of the jury, along with all its members, will be announced closer to the festival. This jury is responsible for awarding several prestigious accolades, including the Golden Lion for Best Film and the Special Jury Prize.
The announcement of Gyllenhaal’s presidency comes shortly after the Cannes Film Festival revealed additional titles for its 2026 lineup. As Cannes wraps up its selections, speculation has begun regarding films that may debut at Venice, including Werner Herzog’s Bucking Fastard and David Fincher’s The Adventures of Cliff Booth.
Last year’s jury, led by Alexander Payne, awarded the Golden Lion to Jim Jarmusch’s Father Mother Sister Brother, while the Silver Lion went to The Voice of Hind Rajab, a drama set in Gaza.
