AceShowbiz - Maggie Gyllenhaal has been appointed as the president of the international jury for the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, scheduled to take place from September 2 to 12, 2026. The festival organizers announced that the acclaimed U.S. director, actress, screenwriter, and producer will head the jury responsible for awarding the prestigious Golden Lion and other honors this year.

The decision to name Gyllenhaal as jury president was made by the board of directors of La Biennale di Venezia, following the recommendation of the festival’s director, Alberto Barbera. This marks a significant recognition of her artistic contributions and evolving role in cinema.

Expressing her enthusiasm, Gyllenhaal said, “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 honored to play a part in continuing that brave and necessary tradition. I will not be standing in judgement, but in curiosity, admiration and excitement.”

Festival director Barbera praised her career and vision, stating, “Maggie Gyllenhaal embodies an artistic path of uncommon consistency, constructed over time with intelligence and courage. An actress who is able to portray disturbing and multifaceted characters, she also reinvented herself as an author with The Lost Daughter, which won the best screenplay award here in Venice in 2021.”

He continued, “Her perspective on cinema – both intellectual and visceral – has found further confirmation in the recent film The Bride! (2026), which consolidates her stature as an original filmmaker. Having her as the president of our jury means being able to rely on an authoritative and independent voice, animated by that authentic passion for arthouse cinema which has always represented the heart of the festival.”

The Venice Film Festival organizers highlighted Gyllenhaal’s multifaceted career, noting that she is “an Academy Award-nominated actress, director, producer, and screenwriter whose career is full of thought-provoking and groundbreaking work.”

They also pointed out her successful transition into television, mentioning her role in BBC/Sundance’s The Honourable Woman (2014), for which she won a Golden Globe Award and earned SAG and Emmy nominations. Additionally, in 2019, Gyllenhaal concluded her three-season role as Candy, a sex worker who becomes a film director, on the HBO drama The Deuce, a series she also produced.

As the 83rd edition of the Venice International Film Festival approaches, the appointment of Gyllenhaal as jury president is seen as a strong affirmation of the festival’s commitment to championing distinctive and courageous cinematic voices on the global stage.