Maggie Gyllenhaal Named President of 2026 Venice Jury

Maggie Gyllenhaal, the acclaimed American actress, director and screenwriter, has been named president of the international jury for the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, set to take place from September 2 to 12, 2026, in Venice, Italy. The appointment, confirmed Thursday by the Board of Directors of La Biennale di Venezia on the recommendation of festival director Alberto Barbera, positions Gyllenhaal to lead a panel that will select recipients of the Golden Lion for Best Film along with other major awards, including Silver Lions, Volpi Cups for acting and the Marcello Mastroianni Award for emerging talent.

In a statement, Gyllenhaal expressed enthusiasm for the role. "I am thrilled to accept the invitation to lead this year's Venice Film Festival jury," she said. "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 lauded Gyllenhaal's multifaceted career, describing her as embodying "an artistic path of uncommon consistency, constructed over time with intelligence and courage." He highlighted her...