Maggie Gyllenhaal president of the Venezia 83 International Jury

The Venice International Film Festival has appointed Maggie Gyllenhaal as president of the International Jury for its 83rd edition, scheduled to take place in Venice from September 2 to 12, 2026. The jury will be responsible for awarding the Golden Lion for Best Film, along with the full range of official prizes in the main Competition.

The decision was approved by the Board of Directors of La Biennale di Venezia, following a recommendation by the Festival’s Artistic Director, Alberto Barbera.

Gyllenhaal’s response

Accepting the role, Gyllenhaal emphasised her connection to the festival’s identity: “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 honoured to play a part in continuing that brave and necessary tradition. I will not be standing in judgement, but in curiosity, admiration and excitement.”

Her statement reflects a curatorial sensibility aligned with Venice’s longstanding focus on auteur cinema and artistic risk.

Alberto Barbera on her appointment

Barbera highlighted Gyllenhaal’s artistic evolution and credibility: “Maggie Gyllenhaal embodies an artistic path of uncommon consistency, constructed over time with intelligence and courage.” He noted her transition from performer to filmmaker, citing The Lost Daughter, which earned the Best Screenplay award in Venice in 2021, and her latest work, The Bride! as confirmation of her distinctive voice.

According to Barbera, her presence ensures “an authoritative and independent voice” rooted in a genuine passion for arthouse cinema.

The official awards

On the closing night, September 12, 2026, the jury, chaired by Gyllenhaal and composed of up to seven international figures, will assign the following awards:

• Golden Lion for Best Film
• Silver Lion – Grand Jury Prize
• Silver Lion – Best Director
• Coppa Volpi for Best Actress
• Coppa Volpi for Best Actor
• Special Jury Prize
• Best Screenplay Award
• Marcello Mastroianni Award for Best Emerging Actor or Actress

These prizes remain central to the festival’s global prestige and its role in shaping the awards season landscape.

A multifaceted career

Maggie Gyllenhaal’s career spans acting, directing, and screenwriting, marked by a consistent engagement with complex narratives. Her latest film The Bride! reimagines the Frankenstein myth, drawing from both Mary Shelley’s original work and the 1935 classic Bride of Frankenstein. Produced with Warner Bros., the film features a cast including Jessie Buckley, Christian Bale, Annette Bening, Penélope Cruz, Peter Sarsgaard, and Jake Gyllenhaal.

Her directorial debut, The Lost Daughter, adapted from Elena Ferrante, earned three Academy Award nominations and numerous international accolades, confirming her transition into filmmaking.

As an actress, she gained early recognition with Secretary, followed by Sherrybaby and Crazy Heart, which brought her an Oscar nomination. Her filmography also includes Donnie Darko, The Dark Knight, and The Kindergarten Teacher.

Beyond cinema, she has worked extensively in television and theatre, including award-winning roles in The Honourable Woman and The Deuce.