The 2026 Venice Film Festival begins today, drawing a wave of A-list talent to the Italian coastal city for world premieres. After a muted Cannes with no major Hollywood studios, Venice has attracted the lion's share of buzzy titles. Danny Boyle and Martin McDonagh are premiering their next films, with Robert Pattinson, Al Pacino, and Liam and Noel Gallagher expected on the red carpet.
Danny Boyle's Ink and Robert Pattinson's Primetime
Danny Boyle's Ink, adapted by James Graham from his 2017 play, explores the birth of British tabloid culture. Jack O'Connell plays The Sun's former editor Larry Lamb, Guy Pearce is Rupert Murdoch, and Claire Foy co-stars as a fictional Fleet Street reporter. Boyle said he 'felt compelled and privileged' to make the film because of how The Sun 'challenged the establishment and remade our world for the modern era'.
Robert Pattinson stars in Primetime as real-life TV presenter Chris Hansen, known for Dateline's To Catch a Predator. The thriller dramatises the show, where Hansen confronted potential internet predators. Written and directed by Lance Oppenheim, it also stars Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Phoebe Bridgers, and Anna Faris. Hansen has said he walked out of a screening after refusing to sign a non-disclosure agreement, but his company has since bought advertising before every screening.
Oasis Reunion Doc and Martin McDonagh's Wild Horse Nine
Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger offers front-row access to the reunion of Liam and Noel Gallagher, capturing the moment of reconciliation after 15 years of estrangement. It includes their first joint interviews in over 25 years and never-before-filmed rehearsals. Written by Steven Knight and directed by Will Lovelace and Dylan Southern.
Martin McDonagh's Wild Horse Nine stars Sam Rockwell and John Malkovich as CIA agents on Easter Island before the 1973 Chilean coup. With Steve Buscemi, Parker Posey, and Tom Waits, the trailer promises McDonagh's trademark comedy.
Werner Herzog's Bucking Fastard and More
Werner Herzog's Bucking Fastard centres on twin sisters who speak in unison and dig a tunnel through a mountain range. Rooney Mara and Kate Mara play the siblings, with Orlando Bloom and Domhnall Gleeson in supporting roles. Herzog declined a Cannes premiere as it wasn't offered a competition slot.
Bunker stars real-life couple Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem as a wife and husband whose relationship is tested when he builds a survivalist bunker for a tech billionaire. Written by Florian Zeller, it also stars Stephen Graham, Paul Dano, and Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Place to Be features Ellen Burstyn and Taika Waititi as an odd couple who bond over a lost racing pigeon. Directed by Kornél Mundruczó, it also stars Pamela Anderson and Murray Bartlett. Burstyn will receive an honorary Golden Lion alongside George Clooney.
Possible Love, from director Lee Chang-dong, follows two married couples grappling with hidden desires. Starring Cho Yeo-jeong and Jeon Do-yeon, it has been picked as South Korea's official Oscars entry for best international feature. The 83rd Venice Film Festival runs from Wednesday, September 2 to Saturday, September 12, 2026.
