Actor George Clooney and his wife Amal Clooney arrived in Venice ahead of the 83rd Venice International Film Festival opening on Wednesday, 2 September 2026.
The annual festival turns the city in northeastern Italy into the focal point of world cinema, with arrivals filling the local airport and boat docks ahead of the official gala opening.
The Venice International Film Festival, known as La Mostra, is the oldest film festival in the world. Established in 1932 on the island of the Lido, the festival takes place annually as part of the Venice Biennale cultural exhibition, standing alongside the Cannes Film Festival and Berlin International Film Festival as one of the premier international film events.
Arrival of Orlando Bloom
British actor Orlando Bloom was among the first stars to arrive in Venice, smiling and posing for photographers upon his landing. Bloom is attending the festival for the presentation of "Bucking Fastard," the new film directed by German filmmaker Werner Herzog that is competing in the official section.
In addition to his film's inclusion in the main competition, Bloom will receive the Filming Italy International Award on the Lido on 6 September in recognition of his career in cinema. Bloom achieved global acclaim through prominent roles in major film series, including The Lord of the Rings trilogy and the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.
Herzog, who directed Bloom in the new project, is recognized internationally for his landmark contributions to European cinema and documentary filmmaking across a career spanning more than six decades.
George and Amal Clooney on the Grand Canal
George Clooney and human rights lawyer Amal Clooney made a striking entrance to the city, arriving aboard a classic open wooden launch along the Grand Canal. The couple passed historic palaces along Venice's central waterway before making their way toward the festival grounds.
The two-time Oscar winner will officially inaugurate the festival red carpet before receiving the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement in recognition of his contribution to cinema history. Clooney previously won Academy Awards for his supporting role in Syriana and as a producer on Best Picture winner Argo.
The Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement is one of the highest honors awarded by the festival, celebrating individuals who have made enduring contributions to the film industry. The Grand Canal serves as the main artery of Venice, linking the city center to the Lido di Venezia sandbar where screenings take place inside the historic Palazzo del Cinema.
Jury Leadership and Upcoming Guests
American actress and director Maggie Gyllenhaal was also among the early arrivals in Venice to take up her position as president of the Official Competition jury. The 83rd festival edition runs from 2 September through 12 September 2026.
Under Gyllenhaal's leadership, the jury panel will evaluate the most daring and innovative films of the year before deciding the final festival awards. Gyllenhaal previously earned acclaim at Venice when her directorial debut, The Lost Daughter, won the Best Screenplay award at the festival in 2021.
A continuous stream of international figures is expected on the Lido leading up to the closing ceremony on 12 September. Expected attendees in the coming days include Spanish actors Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem, as well as musicians the Gallagher brothers.
