The Venice Film Festival occupies a unique place on the film calendar. Each year, filmmakers, actors, critics, and industry executives gather on the Lido for an early look at the films and performances likely to attract attention in the months ahead. As one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious film festivals, Venice has long been a place where acclaimed performances emerge, major awards campaigns begin, and new cinematic voices gain international attention.

With the festival approaching, the focus shifts to the films, performances, and personalities expected to define this year’s event. Here are the key things to expect as the festival sets the stage for another major year in cinema.

The Films Expected to Shape Awards Season

John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell in WILD HORSE NINE.
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First, there are the films positioned to launch awards campaigns. Martin McDonagh brings “Wild Horse Nine,” a dark comedy set during the 1973 Chilean coup, with an ensemble that includes John Malkovich, Sam Rockwell, Parker Posey, Steve Buscemi, and Tom Waits. Florian Zeller follows with “Bunker,” a psychological family thriller starring Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem that examines ambition and the cost of obsession. Danny Boyle also enters the conversation with Ink, his adaptation of James Graham’s play about Rupert Murdoch and the rise of The Sun.

The Return of Acclaimed Filmmakers

The festival also marks the return of several filmmakers known for singular points of view. Werner Herzog presents “Bucking Fastard,” a surreal story centered on twin sisters played by Rooney and Kate Mara in their first screen collaboration. South Korean director Lee Chang-dong returns with “Possible Love”, a psychological exploration of relationships and desire that follows “Burning.” Italian director Andrea Pallaoro contributes “The Echo Chamber,” starring Alicia Vikander, Susan Sarandon, and Luca Marinelli, a film built around love, obsession, and emotional complexity.

Performances to Watch

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Beyond the films themselves, Venice will offer an early look at the performances expected to shape the conversation around this year’s biggest releases. Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem reunite in Bunker for a psychologically intense story that puts their dramatic range at the center, while Robert Pattinson takes on a major transformation as television host Chris Hansen in “Primetime.” Dakota Johnson appears in Maggie Gyllenhaal’s short Flesh Impact, while Taika Waititi steps back in front of the camera with “Place to Be.” The festival will also mark the first time sisters Mara share the screen, adding another layer of interest to the lineup.

The Jury, Honors, and Celebrations of Cinema’s Legacy

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Maggie Gyllenhaal will preside over the competition jury awarding the Golden Lion. The festival will also present lifetime achievement honors to George Clooney and to 93-year-old screen legend Ellen Burstyn.

The Red Carpet Moments

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Beyond the screenings, Venice has a long-standing relationship with couture, with the red carpet serving as a meeting point between cinema and fashion. The Lido provides designers with a global stage to dress some of the industry’s biggest names, while actors use the festival to introduce carefully chosen looks that reflect their personal style and the mood of their films. As international stars arrive for the 10-day event, the focus will extend beyond the premieres to the collaborations between filmmakers, celebrities, and fashion houses.

The Documentaries, Tributes, and Special Presentations

The festival’s documentary offerings adds another dimension to this year’s program. Alex Gibney brings a documentary on Elon Musk, while Luca Guadagnino presents a feature-length work on Bernardo Bertolucci, one of Italy’s most influential filmmakers. Music also has a place in the lineup with “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” which chronicles the Oasis reunion tour and could see Noel and Liam Gallagher appear together during the festival.

Elsewhere, Maggie Gyllenhaal’s Flesh Impact revisits the life and legacy of Marilyn Monroe, adding another high-profile exploration of a cultural figure whose influence continues to resonate. Together, these projects expand the festival’s scope beyond fiction filmmaking, examining the people, histories, and cultural moments that continue to shape public conversation.

Ultimately, Venice’s lasting impact comes from its ability to bring together major filmmakers, emerging voices, and standout performances in a setting where the next chapter of cinema begins to take shape.

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