Stars Shine at the 2026 Venice Film Festival Kickoff
WHO:
CNN - Stars attending the 2026 Venice Film Festival include Penélope Cruz, Javier Bardem, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Chase Sui Wonders, Laura Dern, Vittoria Ceretti, Amal Clooney, Rooney Mara, Pamela Anderson, Kendall Jenner, John Malkovich, George Clooney, Liam Gallagher, and Noel Gallagher.
WHAT:
CNN - The Venice Film Festival is a 10-day event that showcases films and fashion, with a focus on muted and elegant styles on the red carpet.
CNN - The festival features films competing for the Golden Lion prize, including Danny Boyle’s “Ink,” “Primetime” starring Robert Pattinson and Phoebe Bridgers, and Florian Zeller’s “Bunker” featuring Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem.
CNN - The festival has received criticism for having only two films directed by women in the main competition: “Woman Unknown” by May el-Toukhy and “NAZA” by Rachel Szor.
WHERE:
CNN - The Venice Film Festival takes place on the island of Lido in Venice, Italy.
WHEN:
CNN - The Venice Film Festival is set to conclude tomorrow.
WHY:
CNN - Maggie Gyllenhaal highlighted a systemic problem in the film industry, stating, “There’s a systemic problem. It’s much harder for women to get their films financed.”
HOW:
CNN - Stars arrived at the festival by boat, a traditional method for attendees.
(UPDATED September 16, 2026 15:00 UTC)
The Venice Film Festival, taking place on the island of Lido in Venice, Italy, is set to conclude tomorrow after showcasing a variety of films and fashion, with a focus on muted and elegant styles on the red carpet. Notable stars in attendance include Penélope Cruz, Javier Bardem, and Maggie Gyllenhaal, who has drawn attention to the systemic challenges women face in getting their films financed, especially with only two films directed by women in the main competition. Films competing for the prestigious Golden Lion prize include Danny Boyle’s “Ink” and “Primetime” starring Robert Pattinson and Phoebe Bridgers, alongside Florian Zeller’s “Bunker,” which features Cruz and Bardem.