The Venice Film Festival has announced that Alexander Payne, the acclaimed American director, will serve as the president of the international jury for its 82nd edition, set to take place from August 27 to September 6, 2025. Payne, known for his sharp wit and poignant storytelling, follows in the footsteps of recent jury presidents such as Isabelle Huppert and Damien Chazelle, marking a continuation of the festival's tradition of honoring cinematic excellence.
Payne, whose films have garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards, including two Oscars for Best Adapted Screenplay, expressed both honor and humility in accepting the role. 'It is a tremendous honor and joy to serve on the jury in Venice,' Payne stated. 'Though I share the ambivalence of a filmmaker about comparing films against each other, I revere the nearly 100-year history of the Venice Film Festival in loudly celebrating film as an art form.' His remarks reflect a deep respect for the festival's legacy and the art of cinema itself.
The decision to appoint Payne was made by the board of La Biennale di Venezia, upon the recommendation of festival director Alberto Barbera. Barbera praised Payne as belonging to a small circle of filmmaker-cinephiles whose passion for cinema is driven by a knowledge of film history and a curiosity about contemporary cinema, without boundaries or barriers. This combination of qualities, along with Payne's extensive experience as a director, writer, and producer, makes him an ideal candidate to lead the jury in evaluating films from around the world.
Alexander Payne's body of work, characterized by elegant construction, biting humor, and beautifully tragicomic performances, has earned him a place among the most respected filmmakers of his generation. With his upcoming project set in rural Denmark and a lifelong dream to make a western, Payne continues to explore new horizons in cinema. His leadership at the Venice Film Festival is eagerly anticipated, promising a celebration of film that bridges past and present, tradition and innovation.
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