Robert Pattinson, Penélope Cruz, Alicia Vikander Lead 2026 Venice Film Festival Lineup
The star-studded competition slate also features new films from Martin McDonagh, Werner Herzog, and Florian Zeller, aiming for awards season glory.
“the autonomy and freedom of expression”
- Starring
- Robert Pattinson, Penélope Cruz, Alicia Vikander
- Release
- 2026
The lineup for the 2026 Venice Film Festival was unveiled on Thursday, featuring a slate of new films from major directors and starring top talent. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the competition will be headlined by actors Robert Pattinson, Penélope Cruz, and Alicia Vikander, with the Oasis rockers Noel and Liam Gallagher also expected to attend.
Martin McDonagh returns to Venice with his black comedy Wild Horse Nine, starring John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell. Florian Zeller's psychological thriller Bunker, starring Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz, will also compete for the Golden Lion. Robert Pattinson will premiere Primetime, his feature debut as a producer, in which he plays NBC newsman Chris Hansen.
Which Directors Are Returning?
Several festival favorites are back in competition. Werner Herzog presents Bucking Fastard, starring Rooney and Kate Mara. Korean auteur Lee Chang-dong returns with the Netflix-backed melodrama Possible Love, his first Venice appearance since 2002. The sole female director in the 20-film competition is May el-Toukhy with her period drama Woman Unknown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Martin McDonagh's new film about?
McDonagh's film Wild Horse Nine is a black comedy starring John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell as veteran CIA officers sent to Easter Island ahead of the 1973 Chilean coup. The film also features Steve Buscemi, Tom Waits, and Parker Posey.
Is there a film from a female director in competition?
Yes, Danish director May el-Toukhy is the sole female director in the main competition this year with her period drama Woman Unknown. The film stars Mathilde Arcel as a nanny whose past affair with a German soldier during WWII threatens her future.
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