The 2026 Venice Film Festival is bringing together some of the biggest names in cinema, from acclaimed filmmakers to major Hollywood stars. With a lineup filled with ambitious dramas, dark comedies and highly personal projects, these five films are among the most anticipated titles heading to the Lido.
Venice Film Festival: Primetime
Robert Pattinson takes on one of his most unexpected roles yet in Primetime, directed by Lance Oppenheim. The film centers on Chris Hansen during the period when To Catch a Predator became a major pop-culture phenomenon. Pattinson’s transformation has already generated significant attention, while the cast also includes Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Phoebe Bridgers and Bokeem Woodbine. The A24 film is scheduled for a September 25 theatrical release.
Wild Horse Nine
Martin McDonagh returns with Wild Horse Nine, a new black comedy starring John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell. The story follows two CIA agents sent to Easter Island shortly before the 1973 Chilean coup. With Steve Buscemi, Tom Waits and Parker Posey also joining the cast, McDonagh’s latest is already attracting attention as a major competition title.
Venice Film Festival: The Basics of Philosophy
Paul Schrader continues his fascination with isolated, complicated protagonists with The Basics of Philosophy. Jack Huston stars as John Jorissen, a philosophy professor whose life is disrupted following his estranged father’s death and the arrival of a mysterious young man. The film also carries the added prestige of Martin Scorsese serving as executive producer.
Joie de Vivre
Luca Guadagnino returns to Venice with Joie de Vivre, a seven-hour documentary exploring the work and legacy of legendary Italian filmmaker Bernardo Bertolucci. Guadagnino brings together footage from Bertolucci’s films with conversations involving directors, critics and friends, making the project a major cinematic event in its own right.
Venice Film Festival: Flesh Impact
Maggie Gyllenhaal’s Flesh Impact offers a fascinating connection to Hollywood history. The 17-minute short stars Dakota Johnson as Marilyn Monroe and Ellen Burstyn as an older woman whose mysterious story gradually reveals her connection to the legendary actress. Created to coincide with the centenary of Monroe’s birth, the short also received the blessing of Monroe’s estate.
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