The 2026 Venice Film Festival has officially begun, bringing Hollywood stars, major premieres and plenty of red-carpet fashion to the Lido di Venezia.
The 83rd edition of the festival runs from September 2 through September 12. Danny Boyle’s Ink opened the competition with its world premiere on September 2. The film stars Jack O’Connell, Guy Pearce and Claire Foy.
The opening night also delivered a major career milestone for George Clooney. The actor and filmmaker received the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement, with Laura Dern presenting the honour during the opening ceremony.
George and Amal Clooney Make a Stylish Venice Appearance
George Clooney arrived at the festival with his wife, Amal Clooney, making one of the evening’s most closely watched appearances.
George wore a classic black tuxedo, while Amal chose a dramatic black gown from Tom Ford by Haider Ackermann. Their coordinated looks added another memorable fashion moment to an already star-packed opening night.
However, the evening was about more than fashion for George.
The Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement recognised his contribution to cinema as an actor, director and producer. La Biennale di Venezia confirmed that the award was presented during the opening ceremony on September 2.
Laura Dern, who has worked with Clooney and appeared with him in Jay Kelly, delivered the tribute. Her role in the ceremony added a personal connection to the career honour.
Danny Boyle’s Ink Opens the Festival
The opening-night spotlight also belonged to Ink, directed by Danny Boyle.
The film is based on James Graham’s play and explores the events surrounding Rupert Murdoch’s acquisition of The Sun newspaper in 1969. Jack O’Connell plays editor Larry Lamb, while Guy Pearce portrays Murdoch. Claire Foy appears as Jules Davies.
The official festival programme lists Ink as a 116-minute English-language production from the United Kingdom, France and the United States. Its September 2 world premiere took place at the Sala Grande following the opening ceremony.
The film’s high-profile cast helped make it a fitting choice to launch this year’s competition.
Claire Foy Brings Old Hollywood Glamour to the Red Carpet
Claire Foy was among the central figures of opening night because of her role in Ink.
For the premiere, the Crown star wore a custom Bottega Veneta look with Swarovski jewellery and Christian Louboutin shoes, according to red-carpet coverage.
Her appearance was one of several fashion highlights from the first night, as designers and celebrities once again used Venice as a major international showcase.
Nina Dobrev Makes a Statement in Venice
Nina Dobrev was another prominent name on the opening-night red carpet.
The Vampire Diaries alum attended the Ink screening in a striking black sequined Armani Privé gown. Coverage of the event highlighted the dramatic silhouette and train of her look.
Dobrev’s appearance added to the growing list of entertainment and fashion stars drawing attention to the first day of the festival.
Jonathan Bailey Joins the Opening-Night Crowd
Jonathan Bailey also stepped onto the Ink red carpet, continuing the strong British presence surrounding the festival opener.
The Wicked star wore Giorgio Armani for the occasion, according to fashion coverage from the event.
His appearance was part of a wider opening-night lineup that included Claire Foy, Jack O’Connell, Guy Pearce, Nicholas Galitzine and other recognisable names.
Maggie Gyllenhaal Leads the Festival Jury
Away from the red carpet, Maggie Gyllenhaal has an important role in this year’s competition.
Gyllenhaal is serving as president of the 2026 Venice Film Festival jury. Her position puts her at the centre of the competition that will determine this year’s Golden Lion winner.
She also attended the festival’s jury photocall on September 2. Her connection to Venice runs deeper than her jury role: her directorial debut, The Lost Daughter, won Best Screenplay at the festival in 2021.
More Stars Join Venice’s Opening-Day Spotlight
The first day of the Venice Film Festival 2026 featured a broad mix of actors, filmmakers and fashion personalities.
Chase Sui, Wonders, Brittany Snow and Nicholas Galitzine were among the stars photographed around the Ink premiere. Laura Dern was also in Venice for the opening ceremony and her presentation of Clooney’s lifetime achievement award.
The festival is also expected to bring more major names to the Lido as the 12-day event continues.
What Comes Next at the 2026 Venice Film Festival?
The opening night has set a strong tone for an edition filled with high-profile films and international stars.
Beyond Ink, the official selection includes films such as Bunker, Primetime and other major competition titles. The festival will continue through September 12, with screenings, premieres, awards and industry events taking place throughout the Lido.
George Clooney’s appearance will also remain part of the festival beyond opening night. He is scheduled to participate in a masterclass on September 3 at the Match Point Arena, giving audiences another opportunity to hear from the newly honoured filmmaker.
With its combination of awards-season cinema, celebrity appearances and high-fashion red carpets, Venice is once again serving as one of the entertainment industry’s biggest early-season stages.