Venice 83, Moretti returns to competition after 37 years to a muted reception

The 83rd International Film Festival is being held at the Venice Lido from September 2 to 12, 2026, under the artistic direction of Alberto Barbera, and is recognized by FIAPF, the international federation of film producers associations, as indicated by the Venice Biennale.

On September 5 Nanni Moretti presented in competition «Succederà questa notte», a film inspired by the stories of Eshkol Nevo and starring Louis Garrel, Jasmine Trinca, Hippolyte Girardot and Angela Finocchiaro. It marks the director’s return to the Venice competition after thirty-seven years of absence. The reception, in the account by Corriere dello Spettacolo, was described as more respectful than enthusiastic: a formula used at the Lido for screenings applauded without real momentum.

On the same day «Primetime» by Lance Oppenheim was screened in competition, starring Robert Pattinson, who is also its producer; in the evening came the documentary «Oasis: Don’t Look Back in Anger» by Dylan Southern and Will Lovelace, according to the coverage from the Festival and the official program reported by Like in a Movie.

The awards and who assigns them

The international jury is chaired by Maggie Gyllenhaal and the awards will be assigned on September 12, when the Golden Lion and other official prizes will be announced. The opening and closing ceremonies are hosted by Greta Scarano and Nicolas Maupas.

Out of competition, this edition awards two Golden Lions for Lifetime Achievement. The first went to George Clooney, presented on September 2 during the opening ceremony: the decision was made by the Venice Biennale’s Board of Directors on the proposal of the artistic director, as per the official statement.

“The Festival is without doubt my favorite festival” — George Clooney, actor, director and producer

The second Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement is awarded to American actress Ellen Burstyn. The pre-opening film, on Tuesday September 1 in the Sala Darsena, was «Col cuore in gola» by Tinto Brass, from 1967.

The masterclasses

The program includes three masterclasses at the Match Point Arena of the Tennis Club Venezia: Clooney on September 3, Luc Besson today, September 6, Ellen Burstyn on September 8, according to the calendar reported by MostradelCinema.net. This is the part of the festival that produces no rankings yet still fills the news coverage: public encounters in which the guest speaks about their craft before an audience, without the filter of a screening.

What we don’t know

We do not know the number of films in competition nor the complete list of titles in contention: the available material reports the day’s screenings, not the full selection. We do not know which films remain to be presented in the closing days. We have no data on attendance at the Lido nor on the outcomes of press screenings.

Regarding the reception of individual films, it should be kept in mind that these are subjective press assessments, reported as such: the only objective measure will come on September 12 with the decision of the jury chaired by Maggie Gyllenhaal.