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The Venice Biennale has officially confirmed the jury panels for the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, set to take place in September 2025. French director Valérie Donzelli will preside over the Orizzonti competition jury, while Italian filmmaker Carolina Cavalli will lead the jury for the "Lion of the Future" Luigi De Laurentiis Award for a Debut Film. These juries are responsible for selecting the winners across the festival’s key sidebar and emerging talent categories, with the final awards to be announced during the closing ceremony on September 12, 2025.
Orizzonti Jury Appointments
The Orizzonti section, which serves as the festival’s primary sidebar, features a five-person jury chaired by Valérie Donzelli. Donzelli, known for her work on The Queen of Hearts and Declaration of War, brings significant experience to the role, having premiered her feature At Work in the Venice competition last year, where it secured the Best Screenplay award.
Joining Donzelli on the Orizzonti jury are:
- Peter Becker: President of The Criterion Collection and Janus Films.
- Elizabeth Lo: A U.S./Hong Kong director recognized for Mistress Dispeller.
- David Pablos: A Mexican filmmaker known for On the Road.
- Barbara Ronchi: An Italian actress whose credits include Familia.
This group is tasked with evaluating entries to bestow honors for Best Film, Best Director, the Jury Prize, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Screenplay, alongside the award for Best Short Film.
The Lion of the Future Jury
The Luigi De Laurentiis Award for a Debut Film, commonly known as the "Lion of the Future," will be adjudicated by a separate jury headed by Italian director Carolina Cavalli. Cavalli’s own trajectory—from the Orizzonti Extra section with Amanda to her most recent success with The Kidnapping of Arabella, which screened in Venice’s Orizzonti section—positions her to evaluate the next generation of international filmmakers.
The jury for this category includes:
- Akinola Davies Jr.: A BAFTA-winning British-Nigerian director known for My Father’s Shadow.
- Ted Hope: A veteran U.S. producer with credits including The Ice Storm and American Splendor.
The "Lion of the Future" is presented to a feature-length debut screening in any official section of the festival. The prize carries a significant financial incentive: a €100,000 cash bursary, which is divided equally between the winning film’s director and producer.
Festival Timeline and Logistics
The festival will conclude its proceedings on September 12, 2025, when all official awards are formally presented.
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