The Venice Film Festival, a beacon of cinematic excellence, has unveiled its jury selections for the 2026 edition, a move that promises to ignite the festival's competitive spirit. Among the chosen individuals are French director Valérie Donzelli and Italian filmmaker Carolina Cavalli, who will preside over the Orizzonti and Luigi De Laurentiis 'Lion of the Future' juries, respectively. Their appointments are not just symbolic; they are a testament to the festival's commitment to diverse voices and the celebration of emerging talent.
Valérie Donzelli, a luminary in the world of cinema, is set to chair the Orizzonti jury. Her journey in the film industry is a testament to her versatility and artistic prowess. Donzelli's first feature, 'The Queen of Hearts' (2009), made its debut at the Locarno Film Festival, setting the stage for her subsequent works. Her follow-up, 'Declaration of War' (2011), found a home at Cannes' Critics' Week, while her third feature, 'Marguerite & Julien' (2015), competed in the main competition at Cannes. Her latest offering, 'At Work' (2025), premiered at the Venice Film Festival last year, where it was recognized with the best screenplay award. Donzelli's appointment is a nod to her exceptional storytelling and her ability to captivate audiences with her unique vision.
On the other hand, Carolina Cavalli, a rising star in the Italian film scene, will lead the jury for the Luigi De Laurentiis 'Lion of the Future' honor. Cavalli's debut feature, 'Amanda' (2022), screened in the Orizzonti Extra section at Venice and in Toronto, showcasing her talent for crafting compelling narratives. Her follow-up, 'Fremont' (2023), premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, further solidifying her place in the industry. Her latest work, 'The Kidnapping of Arabella' (2025), screened in the Orizzonti section at Venice, where it was honored with the best actress award for Benedetta Porcaroli. Cavalli's appointment is a recognition of her promise as a filmmaker and her ability to tell stories that resonate with audiences.
The Orizzonti Jury, chaired by Donzelli, will award a range of honors, including best film, best director, jury prize, best actor, best actress, and best screenplay, for films screening in Venice's main sidebar. The jury will also bestow the best short film honor. Meanwhile, the Luigi De Laurentiis 'Lion of the Future' jury, led by Cavalli, will present the best film honor to a feature-length debut screening in either the official Venice festival competition or one of its sidebars. The Lion of the Future prize comes with a substantial cash bursary of €100,000 ($114,000), to be split evenly between the director and producer of the winning film.
The appointments of Donzelli and Cavalli are not just about recognizing their individual talents; they are about fostering a culture of diversity and inclusivity in the film industry. Their presence on the juries sends a powerful message: the film world is a place where everyone, regardless of background or experience, can find a voice and make a difference. It is a celebration of the art of cinema and a reminder that the best stories come from a wide range of perspectives.
In my opinion, the Venice Film Festival's jury selections are a testament to the festival's commitment to excellence and innovation. The appointments of Donzelli and Cavalli are a refreshing change, bringing new energy and fresh perspectives to the festival. It is a move that will undoubtedly elevate the festival's reputation and inspire a new generation of filmmakers. The jury selections are a reminder that the film world is a vibrant, ever-evolving landscape, and the festival is at the forefront of this exciting journey.
