Alexander Payne to Chair Venice Film Festival Jury in 2025

29-04-2025


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.

Recommended news

Ranucci's Report to Resume Broadcasts Despite Recent Bombing Incident Near Home

2025-10-20T12:01:56.938Z

Sigfrido Ranucci, the prominent journalist and host of the investigative program Report, has returned to television following a bombing incident on October 17th near his residence in Pomezia. During an appearance on Monica Maggioni's program "In mezz'ora," Ranucci announced the upcoming...

Read more


Emilia-Romagna Dominates Environmental Rankings with Five Cities in Top Ten

2025-10-20T12:03:22.362Z

Rimini has achieved a historic milestone by entering the top ten of Italy's most environmentally sustainable cities for the first time, securing eighth place in the 32nd edition of the Urban Ecosystem report by Legambiente and Ambiente Italia, published by Il Sole 24 Ore. The Romagna capital...

Read more


Vehicle Plunges from Recoaro Bridge, Driver Perishes

2025-10-20T12:00:18.296Z

A tragic accident occurred in the early hours of Monday, October 20, in Recoaro, Vicenza, when a vehicle plunged from a bridge into the Agno river below. The incident took place on Via della Resistenza near the Recoaro facility, with emergency services receiving the alarm around 6:30-6:35 AM....

Read more


Angelina Jolie's 'Couture' Explores Fashion World's Personal Battles

2025-10-20T12:01:22.004Z

Angelina Jolie made a striking appearance at the Festa del Cinema di Roma, walking the red carpet for the premiere of her new film 'Couture,' which she both stars in and co-produces. The actress chose a dramatic black backless gown that showcased her extensive back tattoos, including a...

Read more


Breakthrough ADC Therapy Shows Promise Against Aggressive Breast Cancer

2025-10-20T12:00:59.574Z

Significant advances in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer, were highlighted at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) congress. New data from Phase 3 clinical trials demonstrate that antibody-drug conjugates...

Read more