The world's oldest film festival, on the Venice Lido
The Mostra Internazionale d'Arte Cinematografica, organized by La Biennale di Venezia, is the oldest film festival in the world: the first edition was held in 1932. Every September, the Lido di Venezia transforms into the capital of great cinema, welcoming directors, actors, and professionals from all over the world.
The most coveted award is the Golden Lion for best film, awarded by the international jury. Alongside the main competition, the festival features sections such as Orizzonti, Venezia Classici, Venice Immersive, and Biennale College Cinema, as well as Golden Lions for lifetime achievement. Officially recognized by FIAPF, the festival traditionally opens the international film awards season.
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 encounters with directors animate the Lido island for eleven days, in an atmosphere that combines international glamour and cinephilia.
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.
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 the Venezia 83 competition is chaired 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, Fuori Concorso, 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.
The selected films are announced at the end of July during the official press conference, broadcast live on the Biennale's channels. Full program at labiennale.org.
The Lido di Venezia can be reached by ACTV water bus from the main stops in the city center (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.
Palazzo del Cinema and Lungomare Marconi, Lido di Venezia (VE), in the first half of September.
Tickets and accreditations are available on the official website of La Biennale di Venezia.
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Palazzo del Cinema, Lido di Venezia
Lungomare Marconi, Lido di Venezia, 30126 Venezia