International Film Festival – Venice Film Festival
The world's oldest film festival, on the Venice Lido
About Venice Film Festival
The world's oldest film festival
The International Film Festival, organized by La Biennale di Venezia, is the oldest film festival in the world: the first edition was held in 1932. Every September, the Venice Lido transforms into the capital of great cinema, welcoming directors, actors, and professionals from all over the world.
The Golden Lion and the official sections
The most coveted award is the Golden Lion for best film, awarded by the international jury. Alongside the main competition, the Festival offers sections such as Orizzonti, Venezia Classici, Venice Immersive, and Biennale College Cinema, as well as Golden Lions for lifetime achievement. Officially recognized by the FIAPF, the Festival traditionally opens the international film awards season.
The Lido's red carpet
The heart of the event is the Palazzo del Cinema on Lungomare Marconi, with its famous red carpet that attracts photographers, fans, and enthusiasts. World premieres, screenings, and meetings with directors animate the Lido island for eleven days, in an atmosphere that combines international glamour and cinephilia.
Venice and cinema
Promoted in Venice, in the Veneto region, the Festival is one of Italy's most important cultural events and helps make the lagoon city a global benchmark for art and entertainment.
Venice Film Festival — edition 2026
The 83rd edition of the Venice Film Festival returns to the Lido from September 2 to 12, 2026, under the direction of Alberto Barbera. The international jury for Venezia 83 is presided over by actress, director, and producer Maggie Gyllenhaal, accompanied by a maximum of seven personalities from the world of cinema and culture from different countries.
The official sections include Venezia 83, Out of Competition, Orizzonti, Venice Spotlight, Venezia Classici, Venice Immersive, and Biennale College Cinema. The award ceremony for the Golden Lion and other official awards will be held on the closing evening of Saturday, September 12.
Programme Venice Film Festival 2026
September 2 - 12, 2026 — Venice Lido
- Director: Alberto Barbera
- Jury President: Maggie Gyllenhaal
- Sections: Venezia 83 (competition), Out of Competition, Orizzonti, Venice Spotlight, Venezia Classici, Venice Immersive, Biennale College Cinema
- September 12 — Award ceremony and presentation of the Golden Lion
The selected films will be announced at the end of July during the official press conference, broadcast live on the Biennale's channels. Full program at labiennale.org.
Highlights Venice Film Festival 2026
Prices Venice Film Festival 2026
Practical information — Venice Film Festival
How to get there
The Venice Lido can be reached by ACTV water bus from the main stops in the city centre (lines 1, 5.1, 6). Venice is connected by train to Santa Lucia station, by car to Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto, and by plane to Marco Polo Airport.
Where and when
Palazzo del Cinema and Lungomare Marconi, Venice Lido (VE), in the first half of September.
Tickets
Tickets and accreditations are available on the official website of La Biennale di Venezia.
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Where does it take place — Venice Film Festival
Palazzo del Cinema, Lido di Venezia
Lungomare Marconi, Lido di Venezia, 30126 Venezia