American actor and filmmaker Maggie Gyllenhaal has been appointed as the head of the jury for the upcoming Venice Film Festival, organizers confirmed on Thursday. She will lead the panel responsible for selecting winners of the prestigious Golden Lion award for Best Film at this year’s edition, scheduled for September.
Gyllenhaal, aged 48, is widely recognized for her transition from acting to directing. Her directorial debut, The Lost Daughter, an adaptation of Elena Ferrante’s novel, earned critical acclaim and won the Best Screenplay award at the festival in 2021, strengthening her reputation as a filmmaker with a distinctive creative voice.
In her statement, Gyllenhaal expressed enthusiasm about the role, saying she was “thrilled to accept the invitation” and highlighting Venice’s long-standing commitment to supporting bold and original storytelling. She emphasized the festival’s role in elevating “truthful and singular voices” in global cinema.
Festival director Alberto Barbera praised her selection, describing her as an artist capable of portraying complex characters and an “original filmmaker” with a strong independent perspective. He noted that her leadership would bring an “authoritative and independent voice” to the jury.
The Venice Film Festival is the world’s oldest film festival and forms part of the broader Venice Biennale. It has long served as a major platform for global cinema, premiering influential films and shaping international awards season discussions.
This year’s festival comes amid renewed cultural and political debate following the inclusion of Russian participation in the Venice Biennale art program. The decision has drawn criticism from European Union officials, including EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, who described the move as “morally wrong” in light of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and called for reconsideration of funding support.
As the festival prepares for its next edition, Gyllenhaal’s appointment adds further international attention, reinforcing Venice’s role as a central stage for global cinema and cultural dialogue.
