Maggie Gyllenhaal to head Venice Film Festival 2026 jury

Actor and filmmaker Maggie Gyllenhaal has been appointed president of the main competition jury at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, organisers announced on Thursday.

Gyllenhaal, known for her transition from acting to directing, will lead the jury at the 2026 edition of the festival, scheduled to run from September 2 to 12 in Venice.

The announcement comes after her growing recognition as a filmmaker, following her directorial debut “The Lost Daughter”, which premiered at Venice in 2021. The film, an adaptation of Elena Ferrante’s novel and starring Jessie Buckley, Olivia Colman and Dakota Johnson, earned the festival’s screenplay award that year.

Festival director Alberto Barbera said Gyllenhaal represents “an artistic path of uncommon consistency, constructed over time with intelligence and courage,” adding that her appointment ensures “an authoritative and independent voice” at the helm of the jury.

The jury is responsible for viewing all competition entries and awarding major prizes, including the Golden Lion. It will be completed with additional international film industry figures in the coming weeks.

Gyllenhaal’s recent directorial work, including “The Bride!”, has also drawn attention on the global festival circuit.

Reflecting on her appointment, Gyllenhaal said Venice has long supported distinctive voices in cinema. She added that she would approach the role “not in judgement, but in curiosity, admiration and excitement.”

Last year’s Golden Lion was awarded to Jim Jarmusch’s “Father Mother Sister Brother,” selected by a jury headed by Alexander Payne, ahead of titles by Park Chan-wook, Yorgos Lanthimos and Guillermo del Toro.

The festival traditionally reveals its full lineup in late July.