Venice Film Festival Taps Donzelli and Cavalli to Lead Horizons and Debut Film Juries

The 83rd Venice International Film Festival has announced the juries for its Orizzonti section and the Luigi De Laurentiis Award for a debut film. According to Deadline, the Orizzonti section will be chaired by French filmmaker Valérie Donzelli. Variety confirmed that Donzelli will lead the Horizons jury, the English name for Orizzonti.

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DeadlineVenice Film Festival Announces Orizzonti and Debut Film Competition Juries for 2026VarietyVenice Film Festival Names Donzelli, Cavalli to Lead Horizons and Debut Film Juries

Deadline reported that Donzelli will be joined on the Orizzonti jury by Peter Becker, Elizabeth Lo, David Pablos, and Barbara Ronchi. For the Luigi De Laurentiis Award, Italian director Carolina Cavalli will chair the jury. Deadline added that the members include British-Nigerian filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr. and American producer Ted Hope, while Variety noted that Morgane Spillemaecker and Luna Carmoon are also on the panel.

Variety provided background on the chairs, noting Donzelli's acclaimed filmography: "Donzelli's films include the 2011 breakout 'The Kingdom of the Deaf' and the Palme d'Or contender 'Marguerite & Julien'." :: Variety Her selection brings a history of bold, auteur-driven cinema to a section known for showcasing innovative and boundary-pushing works.

On Cavalli, Variety offered: "Cavalli directed the 2023 comedy 'Amanda'." :: Variety Her appointment as head of the debut film jury reflects the festival's continued commitment to elevating emerging talent from around the world.

Deadline confirmed that the 83rd edition will run from September 2 to 12, 2026, cementing Venice's role as a key autumn platform for international cinema.