Every September, the Venice Film Festival (Mostra Internazionale d'Arte Cinematografica della Biennale di Venezia) is held on the island of Lido. The oldest and most prestigious film festival in the world gathers writers, directors, and actors from all over the world to show off their latest works. The festival features film screenings, meetings with filmmakers and actors, and fantastic parties, held in luxurious casino palaces and gardens. The festival's movie screenings take place in Palazzo del Cinema on the Lungomare Guglielmo Marconi.
Competition and Awards
On the final day of the festival, the distinguished International Jury, which consists of nine members and is chaired in 2024 by the French actress Isabelle Huppert, gives away the official prizes for feature-length films. The awards include the Golden Lion for Best Film, the Silver Lion Award for Best Director, the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize, the Coppa Volpi for Best Actor, the Coppa Volpi for Best Actress, the Marcello Mastroianni Award for Best New Young Actor or Actress. the Award for Best Screenplay, and the Special Jury Prize.
The Official Selection features about 21 films competing for the Golden Lion and 18 important cinematographic works of the year, which do not compete for the main prize. Orizzonti Selection presents films reflecting the latest trends in international cinema by young filmmakers. Sconfini Selection features ten art house films or experimental works, Venice Immersive is devoted to immersive media, like 360° videos and XR works, installations and virtual worlds.
History of the Festival
The Venice Film Festival was initiated in 1932 by Giuseppe Volpi, a member of the National Fascist Party. The festival has become part of the Venice Biennale, created by the Venice City Council on 19 April 1893. In addition to the Film Festival, Venice will also host the International Art Exhibition, the Festival of Contemporary Music, the Theatre Festival, the International Architecture Exhibition, the Festival of Contemporary Dance, and the International Kids’ Carnival.
Initially, the Venice Film Festival was non-competitive but had an international flair. The first edition featured Rouben Mamoulian’s film Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde as well as two other American films: Grand Hotel and The Champ. After two years, the format was changed, and 19 countries competed for Coppa Mussolini for best foreign and best Italian films. After WWII, the Golden Lion (Leone d’Oro) replaced Coppa Mussolini.
