Marilyn, Musk and Murdoch: Our guide to the 83rd Venice Film Festival 2026

The 83rd Venice Film Festival 2026 promises a star-studded lineup, with Hollywood's reputation taking a hit since the poorly received Joker: Folie à Deux debuted at the festival in 2024. Warner Bros' Digger, starring Tom Cruise, was scheduled to premiere in Venice but will now make its global launch in London.

Ink, the opening film, explores Rupert Murdoch's rise to power and the creation of The Sun, with Guy Pearce playing the media mogul and Jack O'Connell portraying his unscrupulous editor. Netflix, having reported record UK revenues, secured US rights to the film. Meanwhile, Disney's Searchlight Pictures is set to launch Martin McDonagh's dark comedy Wild Horse Nine, starring Sam Rockwell and John Malkovich as CIA operatives caught in a Chilean coup.

The Gallagher brothers, Liam and Noel, will attend the world premiere of their reunion tour documentary Oasis: Don’t Look Back in Anger, which will be screened on IMAX due to Disney's impressive 2026 US box office revenue of $4bn. The festival also features musicians such as Sting, who narrates the documentary Nino – A Film About Nino Rota, chronicling the life of The Godfather composer.

The San Clemente Palace, a luxurious five-star hotel located on a private island, is a favorite among celebrities, offering a peaceful retreat with an outdoor swimming pool. Meanwhile, Florian Zeller's psychological thriller Bunker, starring Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz, delves into the story of a tech billionaire's survivalist bunker. Alex Gibney's four-hour documentary on Elon Musk, titled Musk, faces criticism after Musk deemed it a "hit piece."

The festival's sights include the Elizabeth Unique Hotel, a discreet waterfront destination for movie stars, and the Sina Centurion Palace Hotel, overlooking the Grand Canal. Foodies can look forward to dining at the Antinoo' restaurant, located in the new Oriental Express Venezia Hotel, where La Casati serves as a new hotspot for dinner.